FILARIA PHILIPPINENSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Filaria philippinensis is a parasitic nematode worm that belongs to the family Onchocercidae. It is the causative agent of a tropical disease known as Philippine filariasis, which primarily affects humans.
The adult worms of Filaria philippinensis typically reside in the lymphatic system of infected individuals. They are thread-like and can measure between 20 to 70 centimeters in length. Female worms are larger than males and are capable of producing thousands of microfilariae, which are microscopic larvae that circulate in the bloodstream and are necessary for the transmission of the disease.
Transmission of Filaria philippinensis occurs through the bite of infected black flies of the genus Simulium. When the black fly feeds on an infected individual, it ingests the microfilariae along with the blood. Inside the fly, these larvae develop into infective stage juveniles that can be transmitted to a new host during subsequent feeding.
In humans, the presence of Filaria philippinensis can lead to the development of severe symptoms. This includes lymphatic obstruction, causing enlargement of the lower limbs, genitalia, and breasts, a condition known as elephantiasis. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
Prevention of Filaria philippinensis infection primarily involves controlling the black fly population and avoiding exposure to their bites. Mass drug administration with antiparasitic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin, may also be used as a preventive measure and to treat infected individuals. Improved sanitation and personal hygiene practices can further reduce the risk of transmission.
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An apparently distinct species of F. found in man in the Philippine Islands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for FILARIA PHILIPPINENSIS
- dilaria philippinensis
- cilaria philippinensis
- vilaria philippinensis
- gilaria philippinensis
- tilaria philippinensis
- rilaria philippinensis
- fularia philippinensis
- fjlaria philippinensis
- fklaria philippinensis
- folaria philippinensis
- f9laria philippinensis
- f8laria philippinensis
- fikaria philippinensis
- fiparia philippinensis
- fioaria philippinensis
- filzria philippinensis
- filsria philippinensis
- filwria philippinensis
- filqria philippinensis
- filaeia philippinensis
Etymology of FILARIA PHILIPPINENSIS
The word "Filaria philippinensis" is a scientific name used for a parasitic worm known as the Philippine threadworm. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Filaria: The word "Filaria" is derived from the Latin word "fīlum", which means "thread". It is often used in biology to describe long, slender, thread-like organisms. In this context, it refers to the physical appearance of the thread-like worms.
2. Philippinensis: The term "Philippinensis" refers to the geographical origin of the parasite. It specifically indicates that the threadworm was discovered or commonly found in the Philippines. The suffix "-ensis" is derived from Latin and commonly used to indicate "originating from" or "pertaining to".
