Piroplasma ovis is a tick-borne blood parasite commonly found in sheep. The name is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription system as /pɪˈrɒplæzmə ˈəʊvɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "puh," with the "i" representing the schwa sound in unstressed syllables. The following "ro" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, and "pla" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The second part of the name "ovis" is pronounced "oh-viss" with the emphasis on the second syllable. Proper spelling and pronunciation of scientific terms like Piroplasma ovis are crucial for effective communication in the scientific community.
Piroplasma ovis, also known as Babesia ovis, is a parasitic protozoan that infects domestic sheep and causes a disease called ovine babesiosis. It belongs to the genus Babesia and is transmitted to sheep primarily through the bites of certain tick species, such as the Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis ticks. Piroplasma ovis is found in various regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
The infection with Piroplasma ovis typically leads to a range of clinical symptoms in affected sheep. These include anemia, fever, lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss, pale mucous membranes, and dark-colored urine due to the destruction of red blood cells. In severe cases, it can cause jaundice and even death.
Diagnosing Piroplasma ovis infection in sheep is usually done through microscopic examination of blood smears, where the presence of the parasite within red blood cells can be observed. Laboratory tests, such as serological assays or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can also be used to detect the presence of the parasite's DNA or antibodies against it.
The treatment of ovine babesiosis caused by Piroplasma ovis often involves the use of antiprotozoal drugs, such as imidocarb dipropionate or diminazene aceturate. Tick control methods, such as acaricides or pasture management, can be employed to reduce the transmission of the parasite. Vaccination against Piroplasma ovis is available in some regions as a preventive measure.
The protozoan parasite causing heart-water in sheep; it is transmitted by a tick, Rhipicephalus bursa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "Piroplasma ovis" is derived from a combination of two components: "Piroplasma" and "ovis".
1. Piroplasma: The word "Piroplasma" comes from the Greek words "pyr" meaning "fire" and "plasma" meaning "formed thing" or "form". This term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe a group of parasitic protozoa that infect the blood cells of vertebrates, causing diseases in animals such as babesiosis. The name "Piroplasma" was given due to the observation of these organisms appearing as "fiery" or "flaming" spheres when viewed under a microscope.
2. Ovis: The term "ovis" is derived from the Latin word for "sheep". It is commonly used in taxonomy to denote species or organisms that specifically pertain to sheep.