The word "haemamoeba" refers to a type of parasitic organism that infects the blood of animals. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. "Haema" is pronounced as /ˈhiːmə/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Amoeba" is pronounced as /əˈmiːbə/, with the stress on the second syllable. When combined, the stress falls on the first syllable of "haema" and the second syllable of "amoeba," resulting in the correct pronunciation of /hiːməˈmiːbə/.
Haemamoeba refers to a genus of parasitic protozoa that infect the blood of various vertebrate hosts, including humans. These microscopic organisms are classified under the phylum Apicomplexa and are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, where they can cause severe diseases.
Haemamoebas are characterized by their ability to invade and multiply within red blood cells, resulting in deteriorating health conditions. They possess a unique structure called an apical complex, which aids in host cell penetration and establishment of the infection. Once inside the red blood cells, the haemamoebas undergo replication, giving rise to multiple daughter cells that further infect other healthy blood cells. This continuous cycle of replication and invasion leads to the destruction of red blood cells, causing symptoms ranging from fever, anemia, to organ failure in severe cases.
Some species of Haemamoeba are known to cause specific diseases, such as Haemamoeba falciparum, the deadliest species responsible for malaria, which affects millions of people worldwide. Other species include Haemamoeba vivax, Haemamoeba ovale, and Haemamoeba malariae, each with distinct characteristics and clinical presentations.
To combat haemamoeba infections, various antimalarial medications have been developed to target the different stages of the parasite's life cycle. It is crucial to diagnose and treat these infections promptly to prevent complications and potential fatality. Additionally, preventive measures like mosquito control, bed nets, and prophylactic medications are commonly employed in endemic areas to reduce the risk of acquiring haemamoeba infections.
Plasmodium, a protozoan organism parasitic in the red blood-cells of warm-blooded animals.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "haemamoeba" comes from a combination of two roots, "haema" and "amoeba".
1. "Haema" is derived from the Greek word "haima" (αἷμα), which means "blood". This root is also found in terms like "hematology" (study of blood), "hemorrhage" (excessive bleeding), and "hemoglobin" (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen).
2. "Amoeba" is derived from the Greek word "amoibḗ" (ἀμοιβή), which means "change" or "alteration". It refers to a type of single-celled organism that has the ability to alter its shape.