MANSONELLA OZZARDI Meaning and
Definition
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Mansonella ozzardi is a parasitic worm of the family Onchocercidae that infects humans. It belongs to the genus Mansonella and is commonly referred to as Mansonella ozzardi or simply M. ozzardi. It is mainly found in certain regions of Central and South America, predominantly in the Amazon basin, although cases have been reported in other parts of the world as well.
The adult worms of Mansonella ozzardi reside in the human body, particularly in the connective tissues surrounding muscles and joints. They are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies and midges, which are the intermediate hosts of the parasite. Once inside the human body, the larvae develop into adult worms, which can cause various symptoms such as a chronic skin rash, joint pain, muscle pain, and eye lesions.
Diagnosing Mansonella ozzardi infections often involves examining blood samples for the presence of microfilariae, which are the larval stage of the parasite. These microfilariae circulate in the bloodstream and can be detected using specialized laboratory techniques.
The treatment for Mansonella ozzardi infections typically involves the use of antiparasitic medications like ivermectin or albendazole, which target both the adult worms and the microfilariae. However, the effectiveness of treatment may vary, and in some cases, repeated courses of medication may be needed to eradicate the parasite completely.
Preventing Mansonella ozzardi infections mainly involves avoiding exposure to the blackflies and midges that transmit the parasite. This can be achieved by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and living in environments where these vectors are less prevalent.
Common Misspellings for MANSONELLA OZZARDI
- mansunellaozzardi
- m ansonella ozzardi
- ma nsonella ozzardi
- man sonella ozzardi
- mans onella ozzardi
- manso nella ozzardi
- manson ella ozzardi
- mansone lla ozzardi
- mansonel la ozzardi
- mansonell a ozzardi
- mansonella o zzardi
- mansonella oz zardi
- mansonella ozz ardi
- mansonella ozza rdi
- mansonella ozzar di
- mansonella ozzard i
Etymology of MANSONELLA OZZARDI
The word "Mansonella ozzardi" is derived from two sources: the genus name "Mansonella" and the specific epithet "ozzardi".
1. Mansonella: The genus name "Mansonella" is a homage to Sir Patrick Manson, a Scottish physician who is considered one of the founding fathers of tropical medicine. Sir Patrick Manson made significant contributions to the understanding of diseases transmitted by vectors, particularly mosquitoes. He discovered that mosquitoes serve as vectors for various parasites, including those causing diseases like filariasis. As a tribute to his work, the genus Mansonella was named after him.
2. Ozzardi: The specific epithet "ozzardi" is named after a Brazilian parasitologist named Henrique Ozzard. Ozzard dedicated himself to studying various neglected tropical diseases, including those caused by the Mansonella parasites, during the early 20th century.
