INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Intestinal schistosomiasis, also known as intestinal bilharziasis, is a parasitic infection caused by a trematode worm belonging to the Schistosoma genus. It is primarily transmitted through the skin contact with freshwater contaminated with the larvae of the parasite. Intestinal schistosomiasis is endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions, especially in parts of Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia.
The parasite's life cycle involves two stages: the larval stage, known as cercariae, which resides in freshwater snails, and the adult stage, which resides in the blood vessels of the intestines. Upon contact with infected water, the larvae penetrate human skin, enter the bloodstream, and migrate to the liver. From there, they move to the portal veins in the intestines, where they mature into adult worms and release eggs.
The symptoms of intestinal schistosomiasis vary depending on the intensity of the infection. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood in the stool, and fatigue. In chronic cases, the infection can lead to complications such as liver enlargement, fibrosis, and portal hypertension.
The diagnosis of intestinal schistosomiasis is typically made through laboratory tests that detect the presence of Schistosoma eggs in stool samples. Treatment options include administration of antiparasitic drugs, such as praziquantel, combined with measures to prevent re-infection, such as avoiding contact with contaminated water. Control and prevention efforts focus on improving sanitation, providing access to safe water sources, and implementing public health education programs to raise awareness about the disease and its transmission.
Common Misspellings for INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS
- untestinal schistosomiasis
- jntestinal schistosomiasis
- kntestinal schistosomiasis
- ontestinal schistosomiasis
- 9ntestinal schistosomiasis
- 8ntestinal schistosomiasis
- ibtestinal schistosomiasis
- imtestinal schistosomiasis
- ijtestinal schistosomiasis
- ihtestinal schistosomiasis
- inrestinal schistosomiasis
- infestinal schistosomiasis
- ingestinal schistosomiasis
- inyestinal schistosomiasis
- in6estinal schistosomiasis
- in5estinal schistosomiasis
- intwstinal schistosomiasis
- intsstinal schistosomiasis
- intdstinal schistosomiasis
- intrstinal schistosomiasis
Etymology of INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS
The word "intestinal schistosomiasis" is a medical term that combines two components: "intestinal" and "schistosomiasis".
1. Intestinal: The term "intestinal" derives from the Latin word "intestinus", which means "internal" or "related to the intestines". It refers to anything associated with or affecting the intestines, which are the part of the digestive system between the stomach and the anus.
2. Schistosomiasis: The term "schistosomiasis" has a more complex etymology. It is a medical name for a parasitic disease caused by certain species of flatworms called schistosomes. The term "schistosomiasis" originates from the Greek word "skhistos" meaning "split" and the word "som(a)" meaning "body".
Similar spelling word for INTESTINAL SCHISTOSOMIASIS
