FILARIA MAGALHAESI Meaning and
Definition
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Filaria magalhaesi is a parasite belonging to the family Onchocercidae, commonly known as filarial worms. It is a species specifically found in Brazil and is responsible for causing a zoonotic infection known as "cercarial dermatitis" or "swimmer's itch."
Filaria magalhaesi is a nematode worm that completes its life cycle in two primary host species. The adult worms primarily inhabit the blood vessels of wild marsh birds, acting as definitive hosts. These birds serve as a reservoir for the infective larvae (microfilariae) produced by the adult worms. The microfilariae are then ingested by aquatic snails, serving as intermediate hosts. Once inside the snail, the larvae develop into a free-living stage known as cercariae.
When humans swim or come into contact with water contaminated by cercariae, they penetrate the skin and trigger an allergic reaction, causing localized itchy skin rash, commonly referred to as "swimmer's itch" or "duck itch." While Filaria magalhaesi does not typically infect humans, accidental exposure to cercariae can result in the aforementioned dermatitis.
Efforts to control the infection mainly focus on preventing human exposure to infected water sources, especially those harboring wild marsh bird populations. Regular monitoring of water bodies, educational campaigns, and adopting protective measures, such as wearing appropriate swimwear and drying off after water activities, can reduce the risk of cercarial dermatitis caused by Filaria magalhaesi.
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A species resembling F. bancrofti found in the left ventricle at an autopsy on a Brazilian.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FILARIA MAGALHAESI
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Etymology of FILARIA MAGALHAESI
The word "Filaria magalhaesi" is a scientific name for a species and is derived from several components:
1. Filaria: Filaria is a genus of parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that infect animals, including humans. The term "filaria" comes from the Latin word "filum", meaning "thread". It refers to the long, thin, and thread-like appearance of these worms.
2. Magalhaesi: Magalhaesi is a species name, which is commonly used in biological taxonomy to differentiate a particular species within a genus. It is named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan (also spelled Magalhães), who was the first person to lead an expedition that circumnavigated the globe. This name might have been given to honor his achievements or as a reference to the geographical location where this species was first discovered or identified.
