ANGIOSTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasitic nematode, commonly known as the rat lungworm, belonging to the family Angiostrongylidae. It is primarily found in rodents, particularly rats, and is distributed in various regions of the world, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of the Americas.
The life cycle of Angiostrongylus cantonensis involves several stages. Adult worms reside in the pulmonary arteries and heart of the definitive host, which is typically a rodent. The worms produce eggs that hatch into first-stage larvae, which are then expelled in the host's feces. These larvae are then ingested by intermediate hosts, such as snails, slugs, or crustaceans, where they develop into infective third-stage larvae. When a definitive host ingests these intermediate hosts, the larvae migrate to the central nervous system, particularly the brain, causing various neurological symptoms.
In humans, Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection can occur when ingesting raw or undercooked intermediate hosts or contaminated fruits and vegetables. The parasite cannot mature into adults in humans, but the larvae can still cause severe symptoms, collectively known as eosinophilic meningitis. These symptoms may include severe headaches, neck stiffness, fever, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the infection can lead to neurological complications and long-term disability.
The prevention of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection involves proper cooking of food and thorough washing of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, avoiding ingestion of snails, slugs, or crustaceans can also reduce the risk of infection. Treatment often involves supportive care and administration of antiparasitic medications to alleviate symptoms and eradicate the larvae.
Common Misspellings for ANGIOSTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS
- zngiostrongylus cantonensis
- sngiostrongylus cantonensis
- wngiostrongylus cantonensis
- qngiostrongylus cantonensis
- abgiostrongylus cantonensis
- amgiostrongylus cantonensis
- ajgiostrongylus cantonensis
- ahgiostrongylus cantonensis
- anfiostrongylus cantonensis
- anviostrongylus cantonensis
- anbiostrongylus cantonensis
- anhiostrongylus cantonensis
- anyiostrongylus cantonensis
- antiostrongylus cantonensis
- anguostrongylus cantonensis
- angjostrongylus cantonensis
- angkostrongylus cantonensis
- angoostrongylus cantonensis
- ang9ostrongylus cantonensis
- ang8ostrongylus cantonensis
Etymology of ANGIOSTRONGYLUS CANTONENSIS
The word Angiostrongylus cantonensis has a Greek-Latin etymology. Here is a breakdown of its components:
1. Angio-: The prefix angio- comes from the Greek word angeion, which means vessel. In this context, it refers to blood vessels.
2. Strongylus: The term strongylus is derived from the Greek word strongylos, which means rounded or roundworm.
3. Cantonensis: The suffix -ensis is Latin, indicating origin or belonging to. It refers to the location where the parasite was first identified, which is Canton, now known as Guangzhou, a city in southern China.
Therefore, when combined, Angiostrongylus cantonensis can be translated as the rounded worm belonging to the blood vessels of Canton.
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