HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA Meaning and
Definition
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Hymenolepis diminuta is a species of tapeworm that specifically infects the digestive tract of mammals, including humans. It belongs to the genus Hymenolepis, within the family Hymenolepididae. This species is commonly known as the rat tapeworm because it primarily infects rats, which serve as the primary hosts. However, it can also infect other animals, including humans, through the ingestion of infected food or water.
The adult form of Hymenolepis diminuta is typically found in the small intestine of the infected mammal. It has a cylindrical body that consists of numerous segments, known as proglottids, which contain both male and female reproductive organs. These proglottids continually mature and release eggs, which are then passed out of the host's body through the feces.
Infection with Hymenolepis diminuta, known as hymenolepiasis, usually occurs when a human accidentally ingests food or water contaminated with infective eggs. Once inside the digestive system, the eggs hatch and release larvae. These larvae then migrate to the small intestine, where they develop into adult tapeworms. Although infection with Hymenolepis diminuta is generally considered mild and usually asymptomatic, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in some individuals.
Prevention and control of Hymenolepis diminuta infection primarily involve maintaining proper sanitation and hygiene practices. This includes thorough washing of fruits and vegetables, regular handwashing, and ensuring the proper cooking and/or freezing of potentially contaminated foods. Prompt treatment with prescribed anthelmintic medications is typically recommended when infection occurs to prevent the potential complications associated with the parasite.
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A tapeworm of rats and mice, seldom found in man; its larvae are harbored by beetles and caterpillars.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA
- gymenolepis diminuta
- bymenolepis diminuta
- nymenolepis diminuta
- jymenolepis diminuta
- uymenolepis diminuta
- yymenolepis diminuta
- htmenolepis diminuta
- hgmenolepis diminuta
- hhmenolepis diminuta
- humenolepis diminuta
- h7menolepis diminuta
- h6menolepis diminuta
- hynenolepis diminuta
- hykenolepis diminuta
- hyjenolepis diminuta
- hymwnolepis diminuta
- hymsnolepis diminuta
- hymdnolepis diminuta
- hymrnolepis diminuta
- hym4nolepis diminuta
Etymology of HYMENOLEPIS DIMINUTA
The word "Hymenolepis diminuta" is a scientific name given to a species of tapeworm.
The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Hymenolepis: The prefix "Hymeno-" is derived from the Greek word "hymen" which means "membrane" or "thin layer". The suffix "-lepis" is derived from the Greek word "lepis" which means "scale" or "flake". This combination refers to the segmented body of the tapeworm that resembles thin layers or scales.
2. Diminuta: This comes from the Latin word "diminutus" which means "diminished" or "made smaller". The suffix "-a" makes it the female form of the word. This term is used to describe the relatively small size of the species compared to other tapeworms.
