LIVER FLUKE Meaning and
Definition
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A liver fluke refers to a parasitic flatworm that belongs to the class Trematoda and thrives primarily in the liver and bile ducts of various vertebrate hosts, including humans, livestock, and other mammals. With a distinct body shape resembling a leaf, the liver fluke measures just a few centimeters in length, featuring a protective outer covering that serves as a defense mechanism against the host’s immune system.
The life cycle of a liver fluke typically involves three stages. The parasite begins as an egg, which is excreted through the feces of an infected host. Upon reaching suitable aquatic conditions, the eggs develop into free-swimming larvae known as miracidia. These miracidia then seek out specific snail species, where they undergo further development and reproduce. The snail releases a secondary larval form called cercariae, which can penetrate the skin of a suitable host. Once inside, the cercariae migrate to the liver and bile ducts, where they grow into mature adult liver flukes and start feeding on the host's tissues.
Infection by liver flukes can lead to a condition called fascioliasis, causing various health issues ranging from mild discomfort to serious liver damage and even death. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and anemia. Liver flukes are commonly acquired through consumption of raw or undercooked aquatic plants such as watercress, which serve as intermediate hosts for the parasites.
Prevention and treatment of liver fluke infection involve improving personal hygiene, thoroughly cooking food, and avoiding consumption of potentially contaminated water and plants. Medical interventions such as antiparasitic drugs are often necessary to eliminate liver flukes from the host's body.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LIVER FLUKE
- kiver fluke
- piver fluke
- oiver fluke
- luver fluke
- ljver fluke
- lkver fluke
- lover fluke
- l9ver fluke
- l8ver fluke
- licer fluke
- liber fluke
- liger fluke
- lifer fluke
- livwr fluke
- livsr fluke
- livdr fluke
- livrr fluke
- liv4r fluke
- liv3r fluke
- liverfluke
Etymology of LIVER FLUKE
The word "liver fluke" is a compound term, consisting of two separate words that describe the organism.
1. Liver: The term "liver" refers to the organ in the body of animals, including humans, which has various functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and protein synthesis. The word "liver" comes from the Old English word "lifer" and is believed to have its roots in Germanic languages, where it was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "libran" or "librō".
2. Fluke: The term "fluke" is used to describe various flatworm parasites that belong to the class Trematoda. The word "fluke" originates from the Middle English word "flōk" or "flokke", which means "flatfish". It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse word "flóki", meaning "flatfish".
Similar spelling words for LIVER FLUKE
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