HEMOSPORIDIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Hemosporidium refers to a genus of parasitic protozoa that predominantly infects the blood cells of vertebrate animals. These organisms belong to the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes various parasitic species that cause diseases such as malaria in humans. Hemosporidium species are specifically known for causing hematological infections in a wide range of hosts, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.
The life cycle of Hemosporidium typically involves multiple stages, including both sexual and asexual reproduction. Mosquitoes often serve as vectors, transmitting the parasite from one host to another through their bite. Upon entering the bloodstream of the host, the parasite undergoes several developmental stages within specialized cells, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and potentially causing various symptoms and health complications.
Hemosporidium species are known to exhibit host specificity, meaning that each species tends to infect specific hosts or related groups of animals. Some Hemosporidium species can cause severe diseases in their host, leading to anemia, weight loss, reduced reproductive capacity, and even death. However, in certain cases, the infection may be relatively harmless, causing minimal or no noticeable symptoms.
Given the diversity of Hemosporidium species and their impact on different animal populations, understanding their biology and epidemiology is crucial for both wildlife conservation efforts and public health interventions. Efforts to control the spread of Hemosporidium infections often involve mosquito control strategies, as well as research aimed at developing effective diagnostic tools and treatments for infected individuals.
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Plasmodium, a blood-parasite of the order Haemosporidia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HEMOSPORIDIUM
- hemosporidiqm
- hemosporidiwm
- hemosporiditm
- hemosporidiue
- hemosporidiui
- hemosporidiuo
- hemosporidiul
- hemospoaridium
- h emosporidium
- he mosporidium
- hem osporidium
- hemo sporidium
- hemospo ridium
- hemospor idium
- hemospori dium
- hemosporid ium
- hemosporidi um
- hemosporidiu m
Etymology of HEMOSPORIDIUM
The word "hemosporidium" is derived from two main components: "hemo-" and "sporidium".
1. "Hemo-" is derived from the Greek word "haima" (ἁίμα), meaning "blood". It often appears as a combining form in scientific language, indicating a connection with blood or blood-related structures.
2. "Sporidium" is derived from the Greek word "sporos" (σπορος), meaning "seed" or "spore". It also appears as a combining form in scientific language, associated with spore-forming organisms or structures.
Combining these two components, "hemosporidium" literally means "blood spore" or "blood seed" in reference to a group of organisms that produce spores and are found in the blood.
Similar spelling word for HEMOSPORIDIUM
