FILARIA PERSTANS Meaning and
Definition
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Filaria perstans is a parasitic nematode worm that belongs to the family Onchocercidae. It is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa, including countries such as Nigeria, Liberia, and Uganda. Filaria perstans is known to infect humans and is considered one of the causative agents of human filariasis, a group of debilitating diseases transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The adult worms of Filaria perstans are thread-like and can grow up to several centimeters in length, residing in the subcutaneous tissues of the body. Unlike other members of its family, Filaria perstans does not typically migrate to the lymphatic system and does not cause the characteristic swelling associated with lymphatic filariasis. Instead, it tends to remain in the connective tissues, particularly around the abdominal cavity and the serous membranes lining the lungs and heart.
In terms of symptoms, Filaria perstans infection is often asymptomatic or presents with mild, non-specific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain. However, in some cases, the presence of the worms in the body can lead to various manifestations, including the formation of nodules or lumps under the skin, abdominal pain, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest.
Diagnosis of Filaria perstans infection typically involves microscopic examination of blood samples, where the presence of microfilariae, the larval stage of the worm, can be observed. Treatment options for Filaria perstans infection are limited, and often include medications aimed at relieving symptoms and reducing the number of circulating microfilariae. Efforts to control the disease mainly focus on preventing mosquito bites through the use of insecticide-treated bednets and other
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A blood parasite, resembling F. bancrofti, but present in the blood both day and night; it causes no symptoms so far as known.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FILARIA PERSTANS
- dilaria perstans
- cilaria perstans
- vilaria perstans
- gilaria perstans
- tilaria perstans
- rilaria perstans
- fularia perstans
- fjlaria perstans
- fklaria perstans
- folaria perstans
- f9laria perstans
- f8laria perstans
- fikaria perstans
- fiparia perstans
- fioaria perstans
- filzria perstans
- filsria perstans
- filwria perstans
- filqria perstans
- filaeia perstans
Etymology of FILARIA PERSTANS
The word "Filaria" comes from the Latin "filaris", which means "thread-like". It refers to the long and slender appearance of the microscopic parasite. "Perstans" is a Latin word meaning "persistent" or "enduring", which likely reflects the chronic nature of the infection caused by this specific type of filarial worm.
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