DREPANIDIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Drepanidium is a genus of microscopic parasites belonging to the phylum Euglenozoa, specifically the class Kinetoplastea. These organisms are commonly found in the bloodstream and other tissues of various vertebrates, particularly birds. The scientific name "drepanidium" is derived from the Greek word "drepanon," meaning "sickle," which describes the sickle-like shape of the organism when viewed under a microscope.
Drepanidium parasites are characterized by their complex life cycle, which involves both an intermediate host (most commonly invertebrates like insects) and a definitive host (usually vertebrates). They undergo various developmental stages in these hosts, including both actively feeding and non-feeding forms. In the definitive host, the parasites reside primarily in the red blood cells, where they reproduce and cause a range of pathological effects such as anemia and organ damage.
In infected birds, Drepanidium species have been known to cause a condition called avian drepanidiosis, which can result in reduced fitness, impaired flight, and even death. The parasites are typically transmitted through the bites of blood-feeding insects, such as ticks, mosquitoes, and biting midges, thus enabling their spread among avian populations.
Drepanidium infections often require specific diagnostic techniques, such as blood smears and PCR analysis, to identify the presence of the parasite and distinguish it from other blood parasites. Treatment options for drepanidiosis include antiparasitic medications, but prevention through insect control is also crucial in managing the spread of these parasites.
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A young, sickle shaped or crescentic form of a gregarine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DREPANIDIUM
- srepanidium
- xrepanidium
- crepanidium
- frepanidium
- rrepanidium
- erepanidium
- deepanidium
- ddepanidium
- dfepanidium
- dtepanidium
- d5epanidium
- d4epanidium
- drwpanidium
- drspanidium
- drdpanidium
- drrpanidium
- dr4panidium
- dr3panidium
- dreoanidium
- drelanidium
Etymology of DREPANIDIUM
The word "drepanidium" is a scientific name for a parasitic organism known as a haemoproteid. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Drepanidium: The term "drepanidium" is derived from the Greek word "drepane" and the suffix "-idium".
- "Drepane" (δρεπάνιον) in Greek means "sickle" or "scythe". It refers to the shape of certain structures of the organism when observed microscopically, which resemble the curve of a sickle or scythe.
- The suffix "-idium" is commonly used in biological nomenclature to indicate a genus or group.
2. Haemoproteid: The word "haemoproteid" is derived from two components.
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