How Do You Spell PULEX PENETRANS?

1. Pulex penetrans, commonly known as the chigoe flea or jigger, is a parasitic insect belonging to the order Siphonaptera. This minute flea is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, and it infests various mammals, including humans, as well as several domestic and wild animals.

   The adult female Pulex penetrans is the main cause of concern as it burrows into the skin of its host and feeds on blood. This flea has specialized mouthparts for piercing the skin, enabling it to establish a feeding site known as a "burrow" or "chigoe ulcer." The resulting lesion can cause severe itching, pain, and secondary infections.

   Pulex penetrans is known for its reproductive strategies, as a single female can produce hundreds of eggs during her lifetime. The eggs are usually shed onto the ground where they develop into larvae. These larvae then seek out a suitable host, typically small mammals or humans, to complete their life cycle.

   Prevention and control of Pulex penetrans infestations involve various measures such as regular cleaning and sanitation practices, wearing protective clothing, and the use of insecticides. Treatment usually involves the removal of the buried flea by careful extraction or surgical methods, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the affected area.

   In conclusion, Pulex penetrans is a parasitic flea that infests mammals and humans, causing chigoe ulceration. Prompt intervention and preventive measures are essential to minimize the discomfort and potential complications associated with this parasite.

2. Sarcophylla penetrans, jigger.

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

Common Misspellings for PULEX PENETRANS

The term "Pulex penetrans" is a scientific name given to a species of flea commonly known as the "chigoe flea" or "sand flea". The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:

1. Pulex: Pulex is a Latin word that means "flea". It is commonly used in taxonomy to refer to fleas of various species.

2. Penetrans: Penetrans is the present participle of the Latin verb "penetrare", which means "to penetrate" or "to enter deeply". The term "penetrans" denotes the flea's ability to deeply penetrate the skin of its host.

Therefore, "Pulex penetrans" can be understood to mean a flea that is capable of penetrating deeply.