LUMBRICOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lumbricosis is a medical term that refers to an infestation or infection caused by species of parasitic worms known as roundworms, specifically the giant intestinal roundworm called Ascaris lumbricoides. This condition primarily affects the intestines of humans, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
The primary mode of transmission of lumbricosis is through the ingestion of roundworm eggs, which are typically found in contaminated soil, water, or food. After ingestion, the eggs hatch in the intestines, and the larvae migrate through the bloodstream to various organs such as the liver and lungs before eventually returning to the intestines as mature worms. The presence of the adult worms can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and malnutrition.
Lumbricosis is a worldwide health problem, particularly prevalent in developing countries with limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is estimated that over one billion people worldwide are affected by this parasitic infection. Diagnosis is typically made through the identification of roundworm eggs in stool samples, although in some cases, imaging tests may be required to identify the presence of adult worms.
Treatment for lumbricosis involves the administration of anthelmintic drugs, which are specifically targeted to kill and eliminate the worms from the body. Preventive measures such as improved hygiene practices, proper sanitation, and access to clean drinking water are crucial in reducing the transmission of lumbricosis and preventing its recurrence.
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Infestation with lumbricoids or round intestinal worms.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LUMBRICOSIS
- kumbricosis
- pumbricosis
- oumbricosis
- lymbricosis
- lhmbricosis
- ljmbricosis
- limbricosis
- l8mbricosis
- l7mbricosis
- lunbricosis
- lukbricosis
- lujbricosis
- lumvricosis
- lumnricosis
- lumhricosis
- lumgricosis
- lumbeicosis
- lumbdicosis
- lumbficosis
- lumbticosis
Etymology of LUMBRICOSIS
The word "lumbricosis" is derived from the Latin term "lumbricus", meaning "earthworm", and the suffix "-osis", which indicates a medical condition or disease.
"Lumbricosis" is a term used in parasitology to refer to the human infestation of the intestinal roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. The association with earthworms is due to the worm's resemblance to a long, cylindrical creature, similar to an earthworm but much larger.
