ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS Meaning and
Definition
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Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic worm that belongs to the filarial family. It is the causative agent of onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, a neglected tropical disease. This worm mainly affects humans and is transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium genus.
The life cycle of Onchocerca volvulus starts when an infected blackfly introduces the larvae (microfilariae) into the human bloodstream during a blood meal. Once inside the human host, these larvae mature into adult worms, which reside in subcutaneous nodules under the skin. These nodules often develop in highly exposed areas such as the limbs, head, and groin.
The female adult worms can live for up to ten years and continuously produce microfilariae, which migrate throughout the body, especially to the eyes. It is in the eyes where they can cause severe damage, leading to visual impairment and ultimately blindness. Other symptoms of onchocerciasis include intense itching, skin lesions, and in some cases, disfiguring nodules.
Control and treatment of Onchocerca volvulus involve a drug called ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae and sterilizes adult worms. Mass drug administration programs have been successful in reducing the transmission of this parasite. Additionally, vector control methods such as larviciding and bed nets can help prevent blackfly bites and further transmission.
Efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis have been supported by the World Health Organization through their Onchocerciasis Control Program, aiming to eliminate the disease as a public health problem in endemic countries.
Common Misspellings for ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS
- inchocerca volvulus
- knchocerca volvulus
- lnchocerca volvulus
- pnchocerca volvulus
- 0nchocerca volvulus
- 9nchocerca volvulus
- obchocerca volvulus
- omchocerca volvulus
- ojchocerca volvulus
- ohchocerca volvulus
- onxhocerca volvulus
- onvhocerca volvulus
- onfhocerca volvulus
- ondhocerca volvulus
- oncgocerca volvulus
- oncbocerca volvulus
- oncnocerca volvulus
- oncjocerca volvulus
- oncuocerca volvulus
- oncyocerca volvulus
Etymology of ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS
The term "Onchocerca volvulus" has its roots in the Greek and Latin languages.
The word "Onchocerca" is derived from the Greek words "oncho" meaning "a hook" and "kerkos" meaning "a tail". This refers to the characteristic hook-like appearance of the larvae and tail of the parasitic worm.
The term "volvulus" comes from the Latin word "volvo" which means "to roll". This term refers to the unique and intricate manner in which the adult female worm produces the microfilariae (the larval stage of the worm), which appears as a twisted and coiled mass.
Together, "Onchocerca volvulus" describes the specific species of parasitic worm that causes the disease known as onchocerciasis, or river blindness.
