PIROPLASMA BIGEMINUM Meaning and
Definition
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Piroplasma bigeminum, commonly known as Babesia bigemina, is a species of apicomplexan parasite that infects cattle and causes a disease known as bovine babesiosis. It is a protozoan parasite transmitted by the brown tick (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus), commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Bovine babesiosis is a significant economic concern in livestock production, particularly in countries with warm climates. The parasite invades and replicates within red blood cells, leading to their destruction and subsequent clinical manifestations. Infected cattle may exhibit symptoms such as anemia, fever, lethargy, reduced milk production, weight loss, and, in severe cases, death.
Piroplasma bigeminum has a complex life cycle involving both vertebrates (cattle) and invertebrates (ticks). When an infected tick feeds on a susceptible host, it transmits the parasite into the bloodstream. The protozoa then invade and multiply within red blood cells. Subsequently, when another tick feeds on an infected host, it ingests the parasites along with the blood. The protozoa undergo further development within the tick's gut, eventually reaching the salivary glands. The next time the tick feeds, it injects the parasites into a new host, continuing the cycle.
Prevention and control of Piroplasma bigeminum infections involve tick control measures, such as acaricide treatments, pasture management, and the use of tick-resistant cattle breeds. Vaccination strategies are also being developed to provide immunity against the parasite and reduce the impact of bovine babesiosis on cattle health and production.
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The cause of redwater fever in cattle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PIROPLASMA BIGEMINUM
- oiroplasma bigeminum
- liroplasma bigeminum
- -iroplasma bigeminum
- 0iroplasma bigeminum
- puroplasma bigeminum
- pjroplasma bigeminum
- pkroplasma bigeminum
- poroplasma bigeminum
- p9roplasma bigeminum
- p8roplasma bigeminum
- pieoplasma bigeminum
- pidoplasma bigeminum
- pifoplasma bigeminum
- pitoplasma bigeminum
- pi5oplasma bigeminum
- pi4oplasma bigeminum
- piriplasma bigeminum
- pirkplasma bigeminum
- pirlplasma bigeminum
- pirpplasma bigeminum
Etymology of PIROPLASMA BIGEMINUM
The word "Piroplasma" is derived from the Greek words "pyros" meaning "fever" and "plasma" meaning "formed substance", referring to the fact that organisms in this genus cause fever in their hosts. The term "bigeminum" is derived from Latin, meaning "twins" or "double", referring to the way the organism divides and duplicates itself within the host's red blood cells.
