MALIGNANT CATARRH Meaning and
Definition
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Malignant catarrh, also known as malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects ruminant animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. It is caused by a Herpesvirus known as Alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AHV-1) or MCF virus.
The disease is characterized by severe inflammation of the mucous membranes, primarily affecting the respiratory tract and the eyes. Infected animals may exhibit symptoms such as nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, high fever, reduced appetite, weight loss, and sometimes ulcers around the mouth and nose. Malignant catarrh can also lead to neurological signs, such as depression, incoordination, and paralysis.
The virus is mainly transmitted through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals, but it can also spread indirectly through contaminated environments or through the ingestion of contaminated feed or water. Although the disease affects various ruminants, it does not pose a risk to humans.
Prevention of malignant catarrh involves strict biosecurity measures, such as quarantine and isolation of affected animals. Vaccines are available in some regions, although their efficacy can vary. Treatment options for the disease are limited, and supportive care is often provided to affected animals to alleviate their symptoms.
Malignant catarrh has significant economic implications due to its potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality among livestock, as well as its impact on trade restrictions.
Common Misspellings for MALIGNANT CATARRH
- nalignant catarrh
- kalignant catarrh
- jalignant catarrh
- mzlignant catarrh
- mslignant catarrh
- mwlignant catarrh
- mqlignant catarrh
- makignant catarrh
- mapignant catarrh
- maoignant catarrh
- malugnant catarrh
- maljgnant catarrh
- malkgnant catarrh
- malognant catarrh
- mal9gnant catarrh
- mal8gnant catarrh
- malifnant catarrh
- malivnant catarrh
- malibnant catarrh
- malihnant catarrh
Etymology of MALIGNANT CATARRH
The term "Malignant Catarrh" is derived from the merging of two words - "malignant" and "catarrh".
1. Malignant: The word "malignant" comes from the Latin word "malignus", meaning "wicked" or "malignant". It can also be traced back to the Latin word "malus", meaning "bad" or "evil". In medical terminology, "malignant" refers to a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, such as cancer.
2. Catarrh: The word "catarrh" is derived from the Greek word "katarrhein", which means "to flow down". Originally, "catarrh" was used to describe the excessive discharge or flow of saliva or mucus. Over time, the medical usage of the term expanded to describe inflammation of the mucous membranes, particularly in the respiratory system.
