The term vesicular stomatitis is a mouthful to pronounce and spell. The word 'vesicular' is spelled as /vəˈsɪkjʊlər/ with the schwa vowel sound in the first syllable and emphasis on the second syllable. On the other hand, 'stomatitis' is spelled as /stɒməˈtaɪtɪs/ with a long "o" vowel sound in the first syllable and emphasis on the third syllable. It refers to an infectious, viral disease that affects livestock, including horses and cattle, and can also be transmitted to humans.
Vesicular stomatitis is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects livestock, causing the development of fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) on the skin, mucous membranes, and hooves. This disease can be transmitted to various animal species, including horses, cattle, pigs, and occasionally humans.
The causative agents of vesicular stomatitis are the Vesicular Stomatitis viruses (VSV), which belong to the Rhabdoviridae family. There are two serotypes of VSV: New Jersey and Indiana. Infection with the virus can occur through direct contact with an infected animal, insect vectors like mosquitoes or biting flies, or through contaminated materials such as feed or water sources.
The symptoms of vesicular stomatitis can vary among affected animals but commonly include fever, excessive salivation, loss of appetite, and the development of vesicles on the lips, tongue, gums, nostrils, and teats. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the coronary bands of the hooves, leading to lameness. Infected animals may also experience weight loss and have reduced milk production.
The disease is of great concern to livestock industries, as it can result in significant economic losses from reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and quarantines. Additionally, due to its zoonotic potential, vesicular stomatitis poses a public health risk. Thus, rapid diagnosis, strict biosecurity measures, and surveillance programs are essential for controlling the spread of vesicular stomatitis among animals and preventing its transmission to humans.
Aphthous s.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vesicular stomatitis" is derived from two terms: "vesicular" and "stomatitis".
1. Vesicular: The term "vesicular" comes from the Latin word "vesiculus", which means "small bladder" or "small blister". In medical terminology, "vesicular" refers to the formation of small fluid-filled blisters or vesicles on the skin or mucous membranes.
2. Stomatitis: The term "stomatitis" is derived from the Greek word "stoma", meaning "mouth", and the suffix "-itis", denoting inflammation. "Stomatitis" refers to the inflammation of the mouth and its mucous membranes.
Therefore, "vesicular stomatitis" describes a condition characterized by the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, accompanied by the formation of small fluid-filled blisters or vesicles.