How Do You Spell PIROPLASMA DONOVANI?

1. Piroplasma donovani is a parasitic protozoan organism belonging to the genus Piroplasma. It is an intracellular parasite that infects cells of the immune system in mammals, particularly dogs and occasionally humans, causing a disease known as canine babesiosis.

   The protozoan is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks belonging to the Ixodes family. Once inside the host's bloodstream, Piroplasma donovani invades red blood cells, where it multiplies asexually by binary fission. The parasite feeds on hemoglobin, resulting in the destruction of red blood cells and anemia in the host.

   Symptoms of Piroplasma donovani infection in dogs typically include lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, pale gums, and dark urine. If left untreated, the disease can progress and lead to organ failure and death. In humans, Piroplasma donovani infection can cause a similar disease called human babesiosis, although cases in humans are relatively rare.

   Diagnosis of Piroplasma donovani infection is done through blood smear examination, where the presence of the parasite in red blood cells can be observed under a microscope. Treatment usually involves the administration of antiparasitic medications, such as antibiotics or antiprotozoal drugs, depending on the severity of the infection.

   Prevention of Piroplasma donovani infection primarily relies on tick control measures, including regular tick checks and the use of tick-repellent products. Vaccines are also available for some species of animals to protect against this parasite.

2. A name sometimes given to the Leishman Donovan body.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PIROPLASMA DONOVANI

The word "Piroplasma donovani" has its etymology rooted in the Latin and English languages.

1. Piroplasma: The term "Piroplasma" originates from the Latin words "pyr" meaning "fever" and "plasma" meaning "formed substance" or "entity". It was coined by the Italian biologist Ettore Marchiafava and the Italian zoologist Angelo Celli in the late 19th century to describe a group of parasites that cause diseases in animals, specifically related to fever. It is a combination of the Latin terms to indicate "fever-causing entities".

2. Donovani: The term "donovani" is derived from the name of Lieutenant William Boog Leishman, an eminent British pathologist who made significant contributions to the identification and understanding of certain infectious diseases.