ANKYLOSTOMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ankylostomiasis refers to a parasitic infection caused by hookworms, predominantly two species: Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. This infection is commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas around the globe, where poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene measures are prevalent.
The hookworm larvae enter the human body through the skin, usually through contact with contaminated soil or walking barefoot. Once inside the body, the larvae migrate through the bloodstream and eventually reach the small intestine, where they mature into adult worms. These adult worms attach themselves to the intestinal wall, where they feed on blood and cause the characteristic symptoms of ankylostomiasis.
Symptoms typically include fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia. The blood loss resulting from the hookworms' feeding activities can lead to chronic iron deficiency and subsequent anemia. In severe cases, ankylostomiasis can cause malnutrition and growth impairments, particularly in children.
Preventive measures against ankylostomiasis include practicing good hygiene, such as wearing shoes in areas at risk of contamination and maintaining proper sanitation. Treatment primarily involves administering anthelmintic medications that kill and expel the adult worms from the body. Iron supplements are often included to address the anemia associated with the infection.
Overall, ankylostomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by hookworms, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia. Improved hygiene practices and timely treatment are crucial to preventing and managing this condition.
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Uncinariasis, ancylostomiasis, dochmiasis, hookworm disease, tunnel-anemia, miner's anemia, Egyptian chlorosis, St. Gothard disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ANKYLOSTOMIASIS
- znkylostomiasis
- snkylostomiasis
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- anmylostomiasis
- anlylostomiasis
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- ankglostomiasis
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Etymology of ANKYLOSTOMIASIS
The word "Ankylostomiasis" is derived from two Greek roots - "ankylo" and "stoma" - along with the suffix "-iasis".
- "Ankylo" (ἀγκύλος) means "crooked" or "curved".
- "Stoma" (στόμα) means "mouth" or "opening".
- "-iasis" is a suffix that indicates a medical condition or a disease.
Combining these parts, the term "Ankylostomiasis" refers to a disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus "Ankylostoma", which are hookworms that attach themselves within the small intestine of humans and other mammals.
Similar spelling word for ANKYLOSTOMIASIS
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