ECHINOCOCCOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Echinococcosis is a medical condition caused by the parasitic infection of tapeworm larvae belonging to the genus Echinococcus. There are two main types of echinococcosis that affect humans: cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE).
Cystic echinococcosis, also known as hydatid disease, occurs when larval cysts form in various organs of the body, particularly the liver and lungs. These cysts, which are filled with fluid and contain tapeworm larvae, can grow over time and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and even organ dysfunction if left untreated.
On the other hand, alveolar echinococcosis is a more severe and potentially life-threatening form of the disease. It primarily affects the liver but can also spread to other organs. Alveolar echinococcosis is characterized by the infiltration and destruction of healthy tissues by the parasitic larvae, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Both types of echinococcosis are zoonotic diseases, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans. The primary hosts of Echinococcus tapeworms are canids, such as dogs and foxes, while humans become accidental intermediate hosts by ingesting parasite eggs through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with infected animals.
Treatment for echinococcosis often involves surgery to remove or drain the cysts, coupled with medical interventions such as antiparasitic drugs. Preventive measures, such as proper hygiene practices, deworming of domestic animals, and education regarding the risks of parasite
Common Misspellings for ECHINOCOCCOSIS
- wchinococcosis
- schinococcosis
- dchinococcosis
- rchinococcosis
- 4chinococcosis
- 3chinococcosis
- exhinococcosis
- evhinococcosis
- efhinococcosis
- edhinococcosis
- ecginococcosis
- ecbinococcosis
- ecninococcosis
- ecjinococcosis
- ecuinococcosis
- ecyinococcosis
- echunococcosis
- echjnococcosis
- echknococcosis
- sechinococcosis
Etymology of ECHINOCOCCOSIS
The word "echinococcosis" is derived from the combination of two Greek words:
1. Echinos (ἐχῖνος) - which means "hedgehog" or "sea urchin". In this context, it refers to the shape of the cyst-like structure formed by the parasite.
2. Kokkos (κόκκος) - which means "granule" or "grain". It signifies the small size and shape of the cysts caused by the parasite.
Therefore, "echinococcosis" can be understood as a condition caused by the parasitic infection of small cysts resembling hedgehogs or granules.
Similar spelling words for ECHINOCOCCOSIS
