Anaplasmosis is a disease that affects both humans and animals, caused by the bacterium Anaplasma. The disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anaplasmosis.
Definitions
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial infection that affects the red blood cells. The bacteria responsible for the disease is Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected ticks. The disease can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Origin
The term anaplasmosis comes from the Greek word “ana,” meaning “up” or “again,” and “plasma,” meaning “form.” The disease was first identified in cattle in the early 1900s, but it was not until the 1950s that it was recognized as a human disease.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, anaplasmosis is “an infectious disease of domestic animals and humans that is caused by a bacterium of the genus Anaplasma and is transmitted by ticks.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines anaplasmosis as “a disease of cattle and other animals caused by a bacterium, transmitted by ticks, and characterized by fever, anemia, and jaundice.”
Associations
Anaplasmosis is most commonly associated with animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and dogs. However, it can also affect humans, particularly those who work or spend time outdoors in areas where infected ticks are present.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for anaplasmosis include:
- Tick-borne fever.
- Granulocytic anaplasmosis.
- Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis.
Antonyms
As anaplasmosis is a disease, there are no antonyms for it.
The same root words
The root word “plasma” in anaplasmosis is also found in other medical terms, such as:
- Hypoplasia: underdevelopment of an organ or tissue.
- Thrombocytopenia: a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.
- Hyperplasia: an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue.
Example Sentences
- The veterinarian diagnosed the cow with anaplasmosis after it showed symptoms of fever and anemia.
- The hiker contracted anaplasmosis after being bitten by an infected tick during a camping trip.
- The farmer took precautions to prevent his sheep from getting anaplasmosis by regularly checking them for ticks and providing them with tick repellent.