HERPETOMONAS TROPICA Meaning and
Definition
-
Herpetomonas tropica is a species of parasitic protist belonging to the genus Herpetomonas. It is a unicellular flagellate that infects insects, particularly the digestive tract of kissing bugs (Triatominae) which serve as its main host. Kissing bugs are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and can transmit the parasite to humans during feeding.
The life cycle of Herpetomonas tropica involves two distinct stages: the insect stage and the extracellular stage. In the insect stage, the parasite resides in the digestive tract of the kissing bug where it multiplies and undergoes transformation into an elongated form. The extracellular stage occurs when infected kissing bugs defecate while feeding on mammalian blood. The elongated form is then released with the feces and can enter the bloodstream of mammals, including humans, through the bite wound or mucous membranes.
In humans, Herpetomonas tropica is considered an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing infection in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing organ transplantation. The infection typically manifests as a localized cutaneous lesion, known as leishmanoid lesion, at the site of the insect bite. The lesion may enlarge and become ulcerated, resembling other tropical infectious diseases like leishmaniasis. In severe cases, dissemination can occur throughout the body, leading to systemic infections and potentially fatal outcomes if left untreated.
Prevention and treatment of Herpetomonas tropica infections primarily involve controlling the vector population, especially in endemic regions. Additionally, strict personal hygiene practices, such as avoiding contact with kissing bugs and their feces, may help reduce the risk of transmission. Treatment options include antiprotozoal medications, such as pentamidine and amphot
-
The supposed parasite of oriental sore.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HERPETOMONAS TROPICA
- gerpetomonas tropica
- berpetomonas tropica
- nerpetomonas tropica
- jerpetomonas tropica
- uerpetomonas tropica
- yerpetomonas tropica
- hwrpetomonas tropica
- hsrpetomonas tropica
- hdrpetomonas tropica
- hrrpetomonas tropica
- h4rpetomonas tropica
- h3rpetomonas tropica
- heepetomonas tropica
- hedpetomonas tropica
- hefpetomonas tropica
- hetpetomonas tropica
- he5petomonas tropica
- he4petomonas tropica
- heroetomonas tropica
- herletomonas tropica
Etymology of HERPETOMONAS TROPICA
The word "Herpetomonas tropica" has its etymology rooted in the Latin and Greek languages.
1. Herpetomonas: The word "herpetomonas" is derived from the Greek words "herpeton" meaning "reptile" or "creeping thing" and "monas" meaning "unit" or "organism". The name was given to this genus of flagellates because they are often found in the blood of reptiles.
2. Tropica: The term "tropica" is derived from the Latin word "tropicus", meaning "pertaining to the tropics". This species name "tropica" is used to indicate that Herpetomonas tropica is primarily found in tropical regions.
