DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Diphyllobothrium is a genus of parasitic flatworms, specifically tapeworms, belonging to the family Diphyllobothriidae. Tapeworms within this genus are commonly referred to as fish tapeworms. They are characterized by their long, ribbon-like bodies, which can grow up to several meters in length.
Diphyllobothrium tapeworms have a complex life cycle that involves multiple hosts. They typically infect fish, such as salmon, trout, and pike, as well as other aquatic organisms, including crustaceans and mollusks. The tapeworm eggs are released into water by the adult worms residing in the intestines of infected hosts. These eggs then hatch into larvae, which are ingested by copepods, a type of small crustacean. The larvae develop and multiply within the copepod, eventually forming infective larvae known as procercoids.
The procercoids are then ingested by larger fish, where they penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate to the muscles. In the fish muscle tissue, the procercoids develop into plerocercoids, which are the infective stage for humans. Human infection occurs when raw or undercooked fish containing the plerocercoids is consumed.
Diphyllobothrium infection in humans, known as diphyllobothriasis, is often asymptomatic, but can result in signs and symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in rare cases, intestinal blockage. Treatment for diphyllobothriasis typically involves the use of specific anthelmintic medications that target the tapeworm, along with the removal of the worm through medical procedures if necessary.
Common Misspellings for DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM
- siphyllobothrium
- xiphyllobothrium
- ciphyllobothrium
- fiphyllobothrium
- riphyllobothrium
- eiphyllobothrium
- duphyllobothrium
- djphyllobothrium
- dkphyllobothrium
- dophyllobothrium
- d9phyllobothrium
- d8phyllobothrium
- diohyllobothrium
- dilhyllobothrium
- di-hyllobothrium
- di0hyllobothrium
- dipgyllobothrium
- dipbyllobothrium
- dipnyllobothrium
- dipjyllobothrium
Etymology of DIPHYLLOBOTHRIUM
The word "Diphyllobothrium" is derived from Ancient Greek roots. "Di-" means "two", "phyllo-" means "leaf", and "bothrion" refers to a "hole" or "pit". Therefore, the term "Diphyllobothrium" literally means "two-leafed pit" or "two-leafed hole". This name is descriptive of the shape and appearance of the tapeworm belonging to the genus Diphyllobothrium, which has two lateral grooves or "leaves" on its scolex (head).
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