Uncinaria
Uncinaria
Uncinaria (pronunciation: un-sin-aria) is a genus of parasitic nematodes, commonly known as hookworms, that infect various mammalian hosts, including humans.
Etymology
The term "Uncinaria" is derived from the Latin word "uncinarius," meaning "hooked," in reference to the hook-like mouthparts of these parasites.
Description
Uncinaria species are small, slender worms with a curved anterior end, giving them a hook-like appearance. They are typically 1-2 cm in length. The mouth is armed with cutting plates or teeth, which the worm uses to attach to the host's intestinal wall.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Uncinaria species involves the release of eggs in the feces of the infected host. These eggs hatch into larvae in the soil, which can then infect a new host either by penetrating the skin or by being ingested.
Species
There are several species of Uncinaria, including Uncinaria stenocephala and Uncinaria lucasi, which primarily infect canines, and Uncinaria sanguinis, which infects seals.
Health Impact
Uncinaria infections can cause a disease known as uncinariasis, characterized by anemia, protein deficiency, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to developmental delays in children and significant morbidity in adults.
Treatment
Treatment for uncinariasis typically involves anthelmintic drugs, such as albendazole or mebendazole, which kill the worms.
Prevention
Prevention of Uncinaria infections involves proper sanitation and hygiene practices, including the safe disposal of feces and the wearing of shoes in areas where the parasites are prevalent.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Uncinaria
- Wikipedia's article - Uncinaria
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski