TRENCH FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Trench fever is a medical condition characterized by recurrent febrile episodes and is caused by the bacterium Bartonella quintana. It received its name during World War I when it was prevalent among soldiers living in unsanitary trenches during the war.
The symptoms of trench fever include sudden onset of high fever, severe headaches, body aches, and muscle pain. Patients may also experience fatigue, sweats, and a general feeling of malaise. In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes and a skin rash may also be present. Trench fever can have a relapsing nature, with symptoms recurring intermittently over several weeks or months.
Bartonella quintana, the main causative agent of trench fever, is transmitted to humans through the bites of body lice. The bacteria primarily reside in the gut of lice and are excreted in their feces. When an infected louse bites a person, the bacteria can enter through the broken skin. Trench fever is most commonly seen in areas where poor sanitation and overcrowding exist, such as in homeless populations or among individuals living in unsanitary conditions.
Treatment for trench fever typically involves the use of antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline or azithromycin, which are effective against Bartonella infections. Prompt treatment helps to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Adequate personal hygiene, including maintaining clean clothing and bedding, can also help prevent the transmission of the bacteria.
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An alleged specific infectious fever of a relapsing type observed among the troops in the great European war; it is transmissible by intravenous injection of whole blood, but not of the serum alone; punctate basophila of the red blood cells is present, the virus is filterable.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRENCH FEVER
- rrench fever
- french fever
- grench fever
- yrench fever
- 6rench fever
- 5rench fever
- teench fever
- tdench fever
- tfench fever
- ttench fever
- t5ench fever
- t4ench fever
- trwnch fever
- trsnch fever
- trdnch fever
- trrnch fever
- tr4nch fever
- tr3nch fever
- trebch fever
Etymology of TRENCH FEVER
The word "trench fever" originates from its association with the trenches of World War I.
During the First World War, soldiers fighting in the trenches were exposed to unsanitary conditions, including overcrowding, lack of hygiene, and infestation of lice. Trench fever, caused by the bacterium Bartonella quintana, was a prevalent disease among soldiers in the trenches.
The term "trench fever" was coined to describe this specific illness that affected soldiers in the trenches. It became known as such because it was primarily observed in soldiers stationed in the trenches during the war. The name highlights the unique circumstances in which the disease was commonly contracted.
Similar spelling words for TRENCH FEVER
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