TRICHURIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Trichuriasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode Trichuris trichiura, commonly known as the whipworm. This condition primarily affects the large intestine of humans. It is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and is considered one of the most common soil-transmitted helminth infections worldwide.
The life cycle of Trichuris trichiura involves the ingestion of whipworm eggs, which are present in contaminated soil or food. Once inside the human body, the eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the larvae mature into adult worms in the large intestine. The female worms then burrow into the inner lining of the intestine, where they mate and produce thousands of eggs that are passed in the feces. These infected eggs can contaminate the soil and perpetuate the cycle of infection.
Symptoms of trichuriasis can vary widely, with some individuals being asymptomatic. However, in more severe cases, symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, fatigue, and weight loss. Chronic and heavy infections can lead to malnutrition, growth retardation, and anemia, especially in children.
Diagnosis of trichuriasis is usually made by detecting whipworm eggs in a stool sample using microscopy. Treatment typically involves the administration of antiparasitic medications, such as mebendazole or albendazole, which target the adult worms.
Prevention and control of trichuriasis often focus on improving sanitation facilities, promoting proper hygiene practices, and advocating for regular deworming programs in endemic areas.
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The presence of Trichuris trickiura, or whipworm, in large numbers in the large intestine or ileum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRICHURIASIS
- trichoniasis
- rrichuriasis
- frichuriasis
- grichuriasis
- yrichuriasis
- 6richuriasis
- 5richuriasis
- teichuriasis
- tdichuriasis
- tfichuriasis
- ttichuriasis
- t5ichuriasis
- t4ichuriasis
- truchuriasis
- trjchuriasis
- trkchuriasis
- trochuriasis
- tr9churiasis
- tr8churiasis
- trixhuriasis
- trychuriasis
- trichurases
Etymology of TRICHURIASIS
The word "trichuriasis" comes from the combination of two root words: "trichuris", which refers to a genus of parasitic worms, and "iasis", which means disease.
The term "trichuris" is derived from the Greek word "trikhos", meaning "hair", and "oura", meaning "tail". This refers to the usual appearance of the parasites, which have a distinctive thread-like or whip-like shape.
"Iasis", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "iasis", which means "an ailment" or "a disease". It is a common suffix used to denote a condition or disease caused by a particular agent or organism.
Thus, the etymology of "trichuriasis" suggests a disease caused by the parasitic worms of the Trichuris genus, commonly known as whipworms.
Similar spelling words for TRICHURIASIS
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