CLONORCHIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Clonorchiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the liver fluke known as Clonorchis sinensis. This condition primarily affects humans and other mammals, particularly in regions of East Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of Russia. Clonorchiasis is commonly acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish that harbor the infective larvae of the liver fluke.
The infection occurs when these larvae develop into adult flukes within the bile ducts of the liver. The adult flukes, measuring approximately 10-25 millimeters in length, release eggs into the bile ducts, which eventually travel into the intestines and are excreted through feces. These eggs, if they contaminate freshwater sources, are then ingested by snails, completing the life cycle of the parasite.
Symptoms of clonorchiasis can be nonspecific and may include abdominal pain, discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. In some cases, the infection can persist for years, leading to chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, as well as fibrosis or scarring of the liver. In more severe cases, clonorchiasis may increase the risk of developing hepatobiliary diseases, including cholangiocarcinoma (a type of liver cancer).
Diagnosis of clonorchiasis typically involves identifying the presence of eggs in stool samples through microscopic examination. Treatment options include the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as praziquantel or albendazole, which are effective in eliminating the liver flukes.
Prevention of clonorchiasis involves proper cooking of freshwater fish, avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked fish, and ensuring access to safe water sources. Health education programs and improved sanitation
Common Misspellings for CLONORCHIASIS
- xlonorchiasis
- vlonorchiasis
- flonorchiasis
- dlonorchiasis
- ckonorchiasis
- cponorchiasis
- coonorchiasis
- clinorchiasis
- clknorchiasis
- cllnorchiasis
- clpnorchiasis
- cl0norchiasis
- cl9norchiasis
- cloborchiasis
- clomorchiasis
- clojorchiasis
- clohorchiasis
- clonirchiasis
- clonkrchiasis
- clonlrchiasis
Etymology of CLONORCHIASIS
The word "Clonorchiasis" is composed of two parts: "Clonorchis" and "-iasis".
1. Clonorchis: It refers to a genus of liver fluke parasites known to cause the infection clonorchiasis. The term "Clonorchis" comes from the Greek words "klōnos", meaning "branch", and "orchis", meaning "testes". This relates to the shape and appearance of the fluke's reproductive organs.
2. -iasis: This suffix is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a disease or an abnormal condition. It originates from the Greek word "iasis", meaning "action, condition, or process".
Thus, "Clonorchiasis" is a term used in medicine to describe the condition or disease caused by the liver fluke parasite genus Clonorchis.
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