Isosporiasis
Isosporiasis
Isosporiasis (pronounced: eye-so-spor-eye-a-sis) is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Isospora belli. It is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions but can occur anywhere in the world.
Etymology
The term "Isosporiasis" is derived from the genus name Isospora, which comes from the Greek words "isos" meaning equal and "spora" meaning seed, referring to the equal-sized spores of the parasite, and the suffix "-iasis" which is used in medicine to denote a pathological condition.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Isosporiasis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. In severe cases, it can lead to malabsorption and dehydration.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Isosporiasis is typically made by identifying Isospora belli oocysts in stool samples using a method called stool microscopy. Other diagnostic methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serology.
Treatment
The primary treatment for Isosporiasis is the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). In cases where patients are allergic to sulfa drugs, alternative treatments such as ciprofloxacin or pyrimethamine may be used.
Prevention
Prevention of Isosporiasis involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding consumption of contaminated food or water. For individuals with weakened immune systems, prophylactic treatment with TMP-SMX may be recommended.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Isosporiasis
- Wikipedia's article - Isosporiasis
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