DIPHYLLOBOTHRIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Diphyllobothriasis is a medical condition caused by an infection with the tapeworm Diphyllobothrium. Also known as fish tapeworm, diphyllobothriasis is commonly contracted by consuming raw or undercooked fish that is infected with the parasite. This condition is prevalent in regions where fish is a staple part of the diet, such as certain coastal and freshwater regions around the world.
The infection begins when the larvae of the tapeworm are ingested along with the contaminated fish. Once inside the human body, the larvae develop into adult tapeworms in the intestine. These tapeworms can grow up to several feet long and attach themselves to the intestinal wall, where they can cause a variety of symptoms.
Symptoms of diphyllobothriasis may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness. Additionally, some infected individuals may experience deficiencies in vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia and neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis of diphyllobothriasis is usually made by identifying the tapeworm segments or eggs in a stool sample. Treatment typically involves the administration of anti-parasitic medications to kill and eliminate the tapeworms from the body.
Prevention of diphyllobothriasis involves proper cooking of fish to destroy any larvae or eggs present, as well as avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked fish. Educating individuals about food safety practices related to fish consumption is crucial in reducing the incidence of diphyllobothriasis.
Common Misspellings for DIPHYLLOBOTHRIASIS
- siphyllobothriasis
- xiphyllobothriasis
- ciphyllobothriasis
- fiphyllobothriasis
- riphyllobothriasis
- eiphyllobothriasis
- duphyllobothriasis
- djphyllobothriasis
- dkphyllobothriasis
- dophyllobothriasis
- d9phyllobothriasis
- d8phyllobothriasis
- diohyllobothriasis
- dilhyllobothriasis
- di-hyllobothriasis
- di0hyllobothriasis
- dipgyllobothriasis
- dipbyllobothriasis
- dipnyllobothriasis
- dipjyllobothriasis
Etymology of DIPHYLLOBOTHRIASIS
The word "Diphyllobothriasis" has its etymology rooted in Greek.
- "Diphyllo" comes from the Greek word "diphyllos" (δίφυλλος), which means "double leaf". This refers to the two leaf-like structures in the adult form of the tapeworm that cause this infection.
- "Bothrio" is derived from the Greek word "bothrion" (βόθριον), meaning "pit" or "trench". This term describes the shape of the scolex (head) of the tapeworm, which resembles a trench.
- Finally, "-iasis" is a suffix used in medical terminology to denote "a disease or condition caused by" something.
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