Culex Health Dictionary

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Culex: From 1 Different Sources

n. a genus of mosquitoes, worldwide in distribution, of which there are some 600 species. Certain species are important as vectors of filariasis (see also Wuchereria) and viral encephalitis.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Culicine

Most mosquitoes that are not anophelines fall into this group. Culicines are not vectors of human malaria, but the subfamily includes the important genera Aedes, Culex and Mansonia. May transmit a number of diseases (eg, yellow fever, dengue fever, filariasis, viral encephalitis).... culicine

Japanese Encephalitis

A flavivirus, related to Murray Valley virus (see Australian Encephalitis). Rice paddybreeding Culicine mosquitoes, Culex tritaeniorhyehus, often transmit the disease. Mosquitoes are largely zoophilic. Occasionally Aedes spp and Anopholines implicated in transmission. Disease consists of prodrome, encephalitis and recovery (or death on average in 7%). Affects mostly children less than five years of age and leaves sequelae. A vaccination is available.... japanese encephalitis

Pogostemon Parviflorus

Benth.

Synonym: P. pubescens Benth.

Family: Labiatae; Lamiaceae.

Habitat: Hills of South-western India, ascending to 1,200 m.

Folk: Phaangalaa (Maharashtra).

Action: Aerial parts—antifungal, antibacterial.

Acetone extract of the aerial parts exhibits larvicidal activity against the larva of malaria vector, Anopheles ste- phensi and Culex quinquefasciatus.... pogostemon parviflorus

Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes are flying insects found throughout the world. The females bite humans or animals to obtain blood, which they need to produce eggs. The males do not bite. A doctor should be consulted if there is a severe skin reaction to a mosquito bite.

As well as being irritating, mosquito bites can also transmit diseases. The main disease-transmitting mosquitoes belong to 3 groups: ANOPHELES (which transmits malaria), AEDES (which carries yellow fever), and CULEX (which transmits filariasis).

Preventive measures should be taken in any area where mosquitoes are rampant. The most effective measures are wearing long sleeves and socks, placing mosquito screens over windows, and using insect-repellent sprays or slowburning coils that release insecticidal smoke. Mosquito nets should be placed over beds. (See also insect bites; insects and disease.)... mosquito bites

Filariasis

n. a disease, common in the tropics and subtropics, caused by the presence in the lymph vessels of the parasitic nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi (see filaria). The worms, which are transmitted to humans by various mosquitoes (including Aëdes, Culex, Anopheles, and Mansonia), bring about inflammation and eventual blocking of lymph vessels, which causes the surrounding tissues to swell (see elephantiasis). The rupture of urinary lymphatics may lead to the presence of *chyle in the urine. Filariasis is treated with the drug *diethylcarbamazine.... filariasis

Mosquito

n. a small winged bloodsucking insect belonging to a large group – the *Diptera (two-winged flies). Its mouthparts are formed into a long proboscis for piercing the skin and sucking blood. Female mosquitoes transmit the parasites responsible for several major infectious diseases, such as *malaria. The mosquito-borne zika virus has recently been shown to cause *microcephaly. See Anopheles; Aëdes; Culex.... mosquito

West Nile Fever

a viral disease caused by the West Nile virus (a *flavivirus), which is spread by the Culex pipiens mosquito. It causes encephalitis, with influenza-like symptoms, enlarged lymph nodes, and a bright red rash on the chest and abdomen. In patients with a weakened immune system (such as the elderly) it can progress to convulsions, coma, and paralysis.... west nile fever

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