Eustrongylus is spelled /juːˈstrɒŋɡɪləs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word comes from the Greek "eu-" meaning "good" and "strongylus" meaning "roundworm". The spelling of the word reflects its origins and the sounds of the Greek language. The "eu-" is pronounced as "yoo" and the "-strongylus" is pronounced as "stron-ghil-us". Eustrongylus is commonly used in reference to a parasitic roundworm that can afflict animals such as sea birds, dogs or wild mammals.
Eustrongylus is a scientific term that refers to a genus of parasitic nematodes found predominantly in vertebrate hosts such as birds and mammals. These parasitic worms belong to the family Dioctophymatidae within the phylum Nematoda, which encompasses various roundworm species. The name "Eustrongylus" is derived from the Greek words "eu" meaning "good" or "well," and "strongylus" referring to the roundworm genus Strongylus.
Members of the Eustrongylus genus have a long, cylindrical body shape and are usually characterized by a pointed head and a thin, smooth cuticle. They possess a highly specialized mouth structure equipped with sharp teeth or spikes that enable them to attach to the intestinal wall of their host, allowing them to feed on the host's blood or other body fluids. Eustrongylus worms are most commonly found in the kidneys and urinary bladder of their hosts.
Infection by Eustrongylus parasites, known as eustrongylosis, can cause various health issues in both animals and humans. Infected hosts may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in the urine, urinary obstruction, and kidney dysfunction. Treatment of eustrongylosis typically involves administration of anthelmintic drugs to eliminate the parasitic worms from the host's body.
Understanding the characteristics, life cycle, and pathogenicity of Eustrongylus is crucial for the proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections caused by these parasitic roundworms.
A genus of Nematoda of the family Strongylidce.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word Eustrongylus is derived from ancient Greek. The term consists of two parts: eu- which means good or well in Greek, and strongylus which refers to a type of roundworm. Therefore, the etymology suggests that Eustrongylus refers to a specific roundworm that is considered well or good.