KATAYAMA DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
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Katayama disease, also known as Katayama syndrome or schistosomiasis, is a rare disease caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae of certain species of parasitic flatworms called Schistosomes. It is named after Japanese doctor Katayama who first described the disease in the 1930s.
When a person becomes infected with Schistosome larvae, they penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. As the parasites mature and reproduce, their eggs are released into the bloodstream and can cause an immunological response in the affected individual. This immune reaction triggers an allergic response characterized by inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and surrounding tissues, leading to the development of Katayama disease.
Symptoms of Katayama disease typically appear within 1 to 2 months after exposure to Schistosome larvae. Common manifestations include fever, cough, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, enlarged liver, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, individuals may experience organ damage, especially to the liver, spleen, and lungs.
Diagnosis of Katayama disease involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory testing such as blood and stool tests to detect the presence of Schistosome eggs or antibodies. Treatment often involves antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel, to kill the adult worms and reduce the severity of symptoms.
As prevention is crucial, proper sanitation and hygiene practices, such as avoiding contact with contaminated water sources in endemic regions, can help reduce the risk of acquiring Katayama disease.
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A disease marked by painful enlargement of the liver and spleen, dropsy, anemia, and dysenteric symptoms, with or without fever; it is caused by Schistosoma japonicum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for KATAYAMA DISEASE
- jatayama disease
- matayama disease
- latayama disease
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Etymology of KATAYAMA DISEASE
The term "Katayama disease" is named after Dr. Katsuro Katayama, a Japanese physician who first described the disease in 1934. The word "disease" simply refers to a medical condition, while "Katayama" is the surname of the physician who identified and researched the illness. However, it is important to note that "Katayama disease" is now more commonly referred to as schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by blood flukes (schistosomes).
