ISOSPORA Meaning and
Definition
-
Isospora is a genus of protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. It comprises species that are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of various animals, including humans, and are known to cause a medical condition called isosporiasis. Isospora spp. are single-celled organisms with a complex life cycle that involves both sexual and asexual reproduction.
In its definitive host, Isospora produces two distinct types of infective stages: oocysts and sporozoites. Oocysts are formed within the intestinal cells and are shed through the host's feces. They contain sporozoites, which are the infectious form of the parasite. When these oocysts are ingested by another host, such as through contaminated food or water, they undergo sporulation, releasing sporozoites that invade and multiply within the host's intestinal lining.
Isospora infections typically present with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are particularly susceptible to severe and chronic isosporiasis, as their compromised immune systems struggle to clear the infection effectively.
The diagnosis of Isospora infection usually involves the microscopic examination of stool samples to identify the distinctive oocysts. Treatment options for isosporiasis typically consist of antimicrobial drugs, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, which can effectively eradicate the parasite from the host's body.
Prevention of Isospora infection involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly before meals, consuming safe food and water, and avoiding contact with contaminated fecal matter.
Common Misspellings for ISOSPORA
- isosporic
- Isosporia
- isosspore
- isospore
- usospora
- jsospora
- ksospora
- osospora
- 9sospora
- 8sospora
- iaospora
- izospora
- ixospora
- idospora
- ieospora
- iwospora
- isispora
- iskspora
- islspora
- ispspora
Etymology of ISOSPORA
The word "Isospora" is derived from Greek roots. It is formed by combining the Greek words "isos", meaning "equal", and "spora", meaning "seed" or "spore". This name was given to a genus of parasitic protozoa, as the spores produced by these organisms are approximately equal in size.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
