Trypanosoma equiperdum is a parasitic flagellate that causes dourine in equids. The phonetic transcription (IPA) of the word is /trɪˌpænəˈsoʊmə ˌɛkwəˈpɜːrdəm/. The word is composed of two parts, with Trypanosoma being the genus name and equiperdum being the species name. The spelling reflects the Latin roots of the words, with Trypano- meaning "boring worm" and -soma meaning "body," while equi- refers to horses and -perdum meaning "lost," as dourine can result in a loss of sexual function in infected horses.
Trypanosoma equiperdum is a flagellated parasitic protozoan that causes the disease known as dourine in horses and other equids. This unicellular eukaryotic organism belongs to the genus Trypanosoma, which comprises various species of parasitic flagellates that can infect humans and animals, causing diseases collectively referred to as trypanosomiasis. T. equiperdum is closely related to Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness.
T. equiperdum is transmitted mainly through sexual contact between infected and healthy animals, primarily affecting horses, donkeys, and mules. The parasite can enter the host's bloodstream through genital or mucous membrane lesions, spreading throughout the body. The infection may cause symptoms such as swollen genitalia, inflammation of the reproductive organs, lethargy, weight loss, and decreased fertility. In severe cases, it can lead to neurological disorders and death.
Control measures for Trypanosoma equiperdum include quarantining and treating infected animals with trypanocidal drugs. Prevention strategies involve avoiding the movement of infected equids across regions and practicing safe breeding practices. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through microscopic examination of blood or genital discharge samples, as well as serological tests.
Overall, Trypanosoma equiperdum is an important pathogenic protozoan parasite that specifically affects equids, causing the debilitating disease dourine.
The parasite of dourine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Trypanosoma equiperdum" has its etymology rooted in its scientific nomenclature.
1. Trypanosoma: The term "Trypanosoma" originates from the Greek words "trypanon" meaning "borer", "hole", or "auger", and "soma" meaning "body". It was coined by the German zoologist Friedrich Gruby in 1843 to describe certain parasitic protozoa that have a boomerang-like shape or are elongated with a pointed end, resembling an auger or a boring tool.
2. Equiperdum: "Equiperdum" is derived from Latin roots. "Equi" refers to "horse", while "perdum" is linked to "destroyer" or "waster". Hence, the term "equiperdum" suggests a parasite that causes destruction or disease specifically in horses.