How Do You Spell BOTHRIOCEPHALUS LATUS?

1. Bothriocephalus latus is a species of tapeworm that commonly infects humans and various freshwater fish. It belongs to the class Cestoda, a group of parasitic flatworms that inhabit the digestive tracts of vertebrate hosts. The name "Bothriocephalus" is derived from the Greek words "bothrios" meaning "pit" and "kephalos" meaning "head," describing the characteristic appearance of its scolex, or head region.

   Bothriocephalus latus has a complex lifecycle, involving two intermediate hosts, typically copepods and freshwater fish, and a definitive host, often humans. The adult tapeworm inhabits the small intestine of its final host, attaching itself to the host's intestinal wall via specialized suckers and hooks. It is a relatively large tapeworm, reaching lengths of up to several meters. The body of the tapeworm is composed of numerous segments called proglottids, each containing male and female reproductive organs.

   Human infection with Bothriocephalus latus, also known as diphyllobothriasis, occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked infected fish. Symptoms of infection may include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss. The condition is usually considered non-life-threatening, but severe cases can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia.

   Prevention of Bothriocephalus latus infection involves proper cooking of fish to kill any potential larvae. Treatment typically involves medication to eradicate the tapeworm, followed by symptomatic care if necessary. Awareness of proper food handling practices and personal hygiene is crucial in preventing the transmission of this tapeworm.

2. Taenia lata, a large tapeworm of man, found in many parts of Europe, in Japan, and elsewhere in Asia; it often has several thousand segments, broader than long; the head has no sucking discs, but two deep grooves or suckers at the borders.

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

Common Misspellings for BOTHRIOCEPHALUS LATUS

The word "Bothriocephalus latus" has its roots in Greek and Latin.

The genus name "Bothriocephalus" comes from the Greek word "bothrion", which means "furrow" or "deep trench", and the Greek word "kephalē", which means "head". This refers to the head structure of tapeworms belonging to this genus, which have a groove or furrow-like structure on their head called a "bothrium" that allows them to attach to the intestinal wall.

The species name "latus" comes from the Latin word "latus", which means "broad" or "wide". This refers to the characteristic feature of the tapeworm species, Bothriocephalus latus, which is known for its wide and flattened body shape.