UNCINARIA DUODENALIS Meaning and
Definition
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Uncinaria duodenalis is a parasitic nematode, commonly known as the hookworm, that primarily infects the small intestine of mammals, including humans. This parasitic worm belongs to the family Ancylostomatidae and is one of the major species responsible for causing hookworm infections.
The adult hookworms have a tapered body shape, resembling a hook, which gives them their common name. They possess cutting plates or teeth in their mouthparts, enabling them to attach to the intestinal lining of their host and feed on blood. The female hookworms are larger than their male counterparts and can lay hundreds of eggs per day.
The life cycle of Uncinaria duodenalis starts when the eggs are passed out in the feces of an infected host. Under favorable conditions, such as warm and moist environments, the eggs hatch into larvae that molt through several stages before becoming infective larvae. These infective larvae can penetrate the skin of humans or other animals through contact with contaminated soil or contaminated surfaces. Once inside the body, they migrate through the bloodstream and eventually reach the small intestine, where they mature into adult worms.
Hookworm infections can lead to significant health issues in humans, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices. The feeding activity of Uncinaria duodenalis can cause anemia, malnutrition, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Treatment usually involves the administration of anthelmintic medications to eliminate the parasitic worms and alleviate the symptoms of the infection.
Preventive measures, including proper sanitation, hygiene practices, and wearing protective footwear in high-risk areas, are crucial in reducing the transmission of Uncinaria duodenalis and minimizing the burden of hookworm infections.
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Ancylostoma duodenale, old-world hookworm; a reddish cylindrical worm 8 mm. (male) to 18 mm. (female) in length, and about 0.5 mm. in diameter; in the oral cavity are four hook-like teeth on the ventral surface and two on the dorsal surface, and at the base of the oral cavity one tooth on the dorsal surface and two chitinous lamellae on the ventral surface.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for UNCINARIA DUODENALIS
- yncinaria duodenalis
- hncinaria duodenalis
- jncinaria duodenalis
- incinaria duodenalis
- 8ncinaria duodenalis
- 7ncinaria duodenalis
- ubcinaria duodenalis
- umcinaria duodenalis
- ujcinaria duodenalis
- uhcinaria duodenalis
- unxinaria duodenalis
- unvinaria duodenalis
- unfinaria duodenalis
- undinaria duodenalis
- uncunaria duodenalis
- uncjnaria duodenalis
- uncknaria duodenalis
- unconaria duodenalis
- unc9naria duodenalis
- unc8naria duodenalis
Etymology of UNCINARIA DUODENALIS
The word "Uncinaria" is derived from the Latin word "uncinus" meaning "hook", referring to the hook-shaped mouthparts of hookworms. "Duodenalis" is derived from the Latin word "duodenum", which is a part of the small intestine where these hookworms are commonly found. Thus, "Uncinaria duodenalis" is a scientific name that describes a species of hookworms found in the small intestine.
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