FILARIOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Filariosis is a medical term that refers to a group of parasitic infectious diseases caused by thread-like nematodes called filarial worms. These worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The most common forms of filariosis include lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and loiasis, each caused by different species of filarial worms.
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is characterized by the obstruction of the lymphatic system, leading to the swelling and enlargement of body parts, particularly the legs and genitals. Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, results from the worm Onchocerca volvulus, which causes severe itching, skin lesions, and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Loiasis, caused by the Loa loa worm, causes swelling and migration of the adult worms under the skin, leading to symptoms such as itching, joint pain, and eye involvement.
Filariosis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The disease is associated with poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to preventative measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets.
Prevention and control measures for filariosis primarily involve vector control, including the use of insecticides and bed nets to prevent mosquito bites. In some cases, medication may be administered to kill the worms and alleviate symptoms. Overall, the management of filariosis requires a comprehensive approach that combines preventive measures, public health education, and access to healthcare services.
Common Misspellings for FILARIOSIS
- dilariosis
- cilariosis
- vilariosis
- gilariosis
- tilariosis
- rilariosis
- fulariosis
- fjlariosis
- fklariosis
- folariosis
- f9lariosis
- f8lariosis
- fikariosis
- fipariosis
- fioariosis
- filzriosis
- filsriosis
- filwriosis
- filqriosis
- filaeiosis
Etymology of FILARIOSIS
The word "filariosis" comes from the combination of two components: "filaria" and "-osis".
"Filaria" comes from the Latin word "filum", meaning "thread" or "thread-like structure". It refers to a group of parasitic worms that belong to the family Filariidae. These worms are thread-like in shape, hence the name.
The suffix "-osis" is commonly used in medical terminology to denote a disease or pathological condition. It is derived from the Greek suffix "-ōsis", meaning "abnormal or morbid condition".
Therefore, the etymology of "filariosis" reflects the combination of "filaria" (referring to the specific parasitic worms involved) and "-osis" (indicating it is a disease or condition caused by these worms).
