FILARIA IMMITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Filaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm, is a parasitic roundworm that primarily infects dogs but can also affect other mammals, including cats, foxes, and occasionally humans. It is commonly found in regions with warm climates and high mosquito populations, as mosquitoes act as intermediate hosts in the life cycle of the parasite.
Heartworm infection begins when an infected mosquito bites and transfers immature larvae, known as microfilariae, into the bloodstream of the host. Over the course of several months, the larvae mature and migrate to the heart and adjacent blood vessels, where they can reach lengths of up to a foot. Once mature, the worms reproduce, releasing microfilariae into the bloodstream, which can be transmitted to other mosquitoes when they feed on the infected host.
If left untreated, heartworm infection can lead to severe and potentially fatal cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Symptoms of infection may include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. Diagnosing heartworm infection involves various techniques such as blood tests, radiography, and ultrasounds.
Prevention of Filaria immitis primarily involves the use of monthly preventive medications that kill the microfilariae and prevent their development into adult worms. Treatment of the disease usually involves a multi-step approach including the use of medications to kill the adult worms, as well as additional medications to manage the symptoms and complications caused by the infection.
Given the potentially serious health consequences of Filaria immitis infection, it is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and seek veterinary care, follow preventive measures, and maintain regular screenings to ensure early detection and appropriate treatment if needed.
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A species inhabiting the veins and right cavities of the heart in the dog; it is transmitted by the mosquito, either Anopheles or Culex.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FILARIA IMMITIS
- dilaria immitis
- cilaria immitis
- vilaria immitis
- gilaria immitis
- tilaria immitis
- rilaria immitis
- fularia immitis
- fjlaria immitis
- fklaria immitis
- folaria immitis
- f9laria immitis
- f8laria immitis
- fikaria immitis
- fiparia immitis
- fioaria immitis
- filzria immitis
- filsria immitis
- filwria immitis
- filqria immitis
- filaeia immitis
Etymology of FILARIA IMMITIS
The word "Filaria immitis" has its etymology rooted in Latin and scientific nomenclature.
1. Filaria:
- The term "Filaria" is derived from the Latin word "filum", meaning "thread" or "string". It refers to the thread-like appearance of the parasitic worms belonging to the genus Filaria.
2. Immitis:
- The word "immitis" derives from the Latin word "immītis", meaning "harsh" or "cruel". It describes the pathogenicity and detrimental effects these worms cause in their host animals.
Therefore, "Filaria immitis" can be interpreted as the "harsh or cruel thread-like worm". It is a scientific name used to identify and classify the parasitic worm known as "heartworm" in dogs and other canids.
