| Physaloptera | A large genus of spiruroid roundworms parasitic in the stomach and duodenum of vertebrates, especially birds and mammals; they are transmitted via insect and annelid intermediate hosts and are frequently pathogenic, causing erosions and catarrhal gastritis. Physaloptera caucasica is a species reported in man in the southern part of the area formerly known as the USSR; Physaloptera mordens is a species from tropical Africa found only rarely in the oesophagus, stomach, and intestine of man (probably cases of temporary infection from ingestion of infected insects). Origin: G. Physallis, bladder, + pteron, wing (05 Mar 2000) |
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