gnathostomiasis


gnathostomiasis

 [nath″o-sto-mi´ah-sis] infection with the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum, acquired from eating undercooked fish infected with the larvae.

gnath·o·sto·mi·a·sis

(nath'ō-stō-mī'ă-sis), A migrating edema, or creeping eruption, caused by cutaneous infection by larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum. Synonym(s): Yangtze edema

gnath·o·sto·mi·a·sis

(nath'ō-stō-mī'ă-sis) A migrating edema, or creeping eruption, caused by cutaneous infection by larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum.

gnathostomiasis

Infestation with the dog and cat parasitic worm Gnathostoma spinigerum that is common in the Far East. The intermediate hosts are fish and the tiny crustacean water flea Cyclops and the worm is acquired by eating undercooked fish or drinking water containing the flea. The adult worm settles in the tissues and can damage the lungs, kidneys, brain or eyes. The worm may settle visibly under the skin; otherwise the diagnosis is by antibody tests. Treatment is difficult.