OPISTHORCHIS NOVERCA Meaning and
Definition
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Opisthorchis noverca is a parasitic trematode commonly known as the New Wife Fluke. It is a species belonging to the family Opisthorchiidae, which includes numerous other flukes that infect the biliary system of various hosts. The term "opisthorchis" refers to the genus that is characterized by their flat, leaf-shaped bodies and the presence of a ventral sucker.
Opisthorchis noverca specifically infects the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts of its definitive hosts, which are predominantly piscivorous mammals, including cats, dogs, and humans. The fluke has a complex life cycle, involving multiple intermediate hosts such as snails and fish, which facilitate its transmission.
Upon ingestion of raw or undercooked fish infected with Opisthorchis noverca metacercariae, the parasites excyst within the host's intestine and migrate to the biliary system. There, they mature and produce eggs, which are then excreted with the host's feces. These eggs can contaminate aquatic environments, perpetuating the life cycle.
Opisthorchis noverca infections in humans can lead to a condition known as opisthorchiasis. The symptoms include abdominal pain, indigestion, jaundice, and hepatomegaly. Long-term infections can cause chronic inflammation of the biliary tract, leading to more severe complications such as cholangitis, cholecystitis, and even cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile ducts).
Prevention and control of Opisthorchis noverca infection primarily involve the proper cooking of fish and the avoidance of raw or undercooked fish consumption. Public health interventions also include
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Distomum conjunctum, a small lanceshaped fluke, found chiefly in dogs, rarely in man, in India.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OPISTHORCHIS NOVERCA
- ipisthorchis noverca
- kpisthorchis noverca
- lpisthorchis noverca
- ppisthorchis noverca
- 0pisthorchis noverca
- 9pisthorchis noverca
- ooisthorchis noverca
- olisthorchis noverca
- o-isthorchis noverca
- o0isthorchis noverca
- opusthorchis noverca
- opjsthorchis noverca
- opksthorchis noverca
- oposthorchis noverca
- op9sthorchis noverca
- op8sthorchis noverca
- opiathorchis noverca
- opizthorchis noverca
- opixthorchis noverca
- opidthorchis noverca
Etymology of OPISTHORCHIS NOVERCA
The etymology of the word "Opisthorchis noverca" can be broken down as follows:
1. Opisthorchis: The term "Opisthorchis" comes from the Ancient Greek words "opistho" meaning "behind" or "at the back" and "orchis" meaning "testis". This name was given to the genus of trematode parasites that infect the liver and bile ducts of mammals, including humans.
2. Noverca: The term "noverca" is a Latin word that means "stepmother". In taxonomy, the term "noverca" is used to indicate a species or subspecies that is closely related to another, resembling a stepmother, but not entirely the same.
