Xenodiagnosis
Xenodiagnosis
Xenodiagnosis (pronounced: ze-no-die-ag-no-sis) is a diagnostic method used to detect infectious disease by exposing a suspected host to a vector and then examining the vector for the presence of the infecting organism.
Etymology
The term "xenodiagnosis" is derived from the Greek words "xenos" meaning stranger and "diagnosis" meaning identification. It was first used in the early 20th century.
Procedure
In a typical xenodiagnosis procedure, the suspected host is exposed to a clean, disease-free vector. The vector is then allowed to feed on the host. After a certain period of time, the vector is examined for the presence of the infecting organism. If the organism is present, the host is diagnosed as being infected with the disease.
Applications
Xenodiagnosis is primarily used in the diagnosis of diseases that are difficult to detect using conventional diagnostic methods. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases caused by parasites, such as Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis.
Limitations
While xenodiagnosis can be a useful diagnostic tool, it also has several limitations. These include the need for a suitable vector, the potential for the vector to become infected with the disease, and the time and resources required to conduct the procedure.
Related Terms
- Vector (epidemiology): An organism that transmits disease.
- Parasite: An organism that lives in or on an organism of another species and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other's expense.
- Chagas disease: A tropical parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by insects.
- Leishmaniasis: A disease caused by protozoan parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by the bite of certain species of sand fly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Xenodiagnosis
- Wikipedia's article - Xenodiagnosis
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