DIROFILARIA Meaning and
Definition
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Dirofilaria is a genus of parasitic worms belonging to the family Onchocercidae. These worms are commonly known as heartworms and primarily affect canines, felines, and other mammals. The name "Dirofilaria" is derived from the Greek words "diros," meaning "two-threaded" or "double," and "filaria," referring to a thread-like worm.
Heartworm infection occurs when an animal is bitten by an infected mosquito carrying the larvae of Dirofilaria. Once inside the animal's body, the larvae develop into adult worms that reside in the pulmonary arteries, heart, and adjacent blood vessels. This can lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory problems, including reduced blood supply and oxygenation, heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension.
The life cycle of Dirofilaria involves both mosquito vectors and vertebrate hosts. The mature female worms release microfilariae into the host's bloodstream, which can be ingested by mosquitoes during a blood meal. The microfilariae undergo further development within the mosquito, becoming infective larvae that can then be transmitted to another host during another blood meal.
Prevention and treatment of Dirofilaria infections commonly involve monthly administration of preventives to kill the microfilariae, prevent heartworm infestation, or eliminate the adult worms. In severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary. Regular testing and monitoring are essential for early detection and intervention.
Dirofilaria is an important and widespread parasite, with a global distribution in regions where the mosquito vectors are present. Due to its significance in veterinary medicine, understanding the biology and management of Dirofilaria is crucial to ensure the well-being and health of infected animals.
Common Misspellings for DIROFILARIA
- sirofilaria
- xirofilaria
- cirofilaria
- firofilaria
- rirofilaria
- eirofilaria
- durofilaria
- djrofilaria
- dkrofilaria
- dorofilaria
- d9rofilaria
- d8rofilaria
- dieofilaria
- didofilaria
- difofilaria
- ditofilaria
- di5ofilaria
- di4ofilaria
- dirifilaria
- dirkfilaria
Etymology of DIROFILARIA
The word "Dirofilaria" is derived from Greek roots. The prefix "diro-" comes from the Greek word "dis", meaning double or twice, while "fil" comes from the Greek word "fílon", meaning thread. Lastly, the suffix "-aria" is a Latin ending used in the names of various biological groups.
Therefore, the term "Dirofilaria" essentially signifies a double or twice-wound thread, which describes the characteristic appearance of the parasite's larvae in the genus Dirofilaria.
Similar spelling words for DIROFILARIA
- Driveler,
- co-traveller,
- traveller,
- tiruvallur,
- trefler,
- (E)-4-chloro-α,α,α-trifluoro-N-(1-imidazol-1-yl-2-propoxyethylidene)-o-toluidine,
- TRAVELAIR,
- foot-traveler,
- world-traveler,
- doerfler,
- time-traveler,
- trifler,
- foot-traveller,
- traveler,
- commercial-traveler,
- N-butyl-N-ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidin,
- TRVLR,
- driveller,
- travailler,
- Non-Traveller,
- traveler-check,
- fellow-traveler.
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