How Do You Spell BILHARZIA?

Pronunciation: [bɪlhˈɑːzi͡ə] (IPA)

The word "bilharzia" is spelled with two "i's" and a "z" in the middle. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /bɪlˈhɑːziə/. It is a disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomes that live in freshwater snails. When humans come into contact with contaminated water, they can develop bilharzia. This disease can cause various symptoms and complications, including itchy skin, fever, abdominal pain, and liver damage. Understanding the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms like bilharzia is important for accurate communication in healthcare.

BILHARZIA Meaning and Definition

  1. Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by various species of flatworms called schistosomes. It is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions where certain freshwater snails act as intermediate hosts for the parasite. Bilharzia affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in areas with inadequate sanitation and access to clean water.

    The infection occurs when humans come into contact with contaminated freshwater sources, such as rivers and lakes, where the parasite's larvae, called cercariae, can penetrate the skin. Upon entering the body, these larvae develop into adult worms, which primarily inhabit the veins surrounding the bladder or intestines, depending on the species. The adult worms lay eggs that are released from the body through urine or feces, continuing the parasite's life cycle.

    Symptoms of bilharzia can vary depending on the stage of infection and the organs affected but may include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, bloody urine or stool, and liver or spleen enlargement. Chronic infections can lead to severe complications such as kidney damage, bladder cancer, and impaired growth and cognitive development in children.

    Prevention of bilharzia involves avoiding contact with freshwater sources known to be infested with the parasite, wearing protective clothing when swimming or bathing, and reducing exposure to snail habitats. Treatment usually involves antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel, to kill the worms and alleviate symptoms.

    Efforts to control and eliminate bilharzia involve strategies like improving water and sanitation infrastructure, snail control programs, health education, and access to treatment.

  2. A genus of trematode worms, now called Schistosomum.

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

Common Misspellings for BILHARZIA

  • vilharzia
  • nilharzia
  • hilharzia
  • gilharzia
  • bulharzia
  • bjlharzia
  • bklharzia
  • bolharzia
  • b9lharzia
  • b8lharzia
  • bikharzia
  • bipharzia
  • bioharzia
  • bilgarzia
  • bilbarzia
  • bilnarzia
  • biljarzia
  • biluarzia
  • bilyarzia

Etymology of BILHARZIA

The word bilharzia comes from the name of Theodor Bilharz, a German physician and parasitologist who first identified the disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma haematobium in 1851. As a tribute to his discovery, this disease was named after him, leading to the term bilharzia.

Similar spelling words for BILHARZIA

Plural form of BILHARZIA is BILHARZIAS

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