Gnathostoma

A genus of spiruroid nematode worms (family Gnathostomatidae) characterized by several rows of cuticular spines about the head and by multiple-host aquatic life cycles; it includes pathogenic parasites of cats, cattle, and swine. [gnatho- + G. stoma, mouth]

- G. doloresi nematode species found in domestic and wild pigs; human infections (cutaneous larva migrans) reported in Japan.

- G. hispidum nematode species found in domestic and wild pigs; human infections (cutaneous larva migrans) reported in Japan.

- G. nipponicum nematode species found in weasels; human infections (cutaneous larva migrans) reported in Japan.

- G. siamense invalid name for G. spinigerum.

- G. spinigerum a parasite of cats, dogs, and wild carnivores, it has occasionally been found in humans in the Far East; it is transmitted via copepods and fish; human infection is usually confined to the skin, but several cases have been reported of eye or brain infection with wandering larvae of this species.

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Gna·thos·to·ma nə-'thäs-tə-mə n a genus (the type of the family Gnathostomatidae) of spiruroid nematodes comprising parasites living in tumors of the stomach wall of various Old World carnivorous mammals and occas. invading the subcutaneous tissues of humans

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n.

a genus of parasitic nematodes. Adult worms are commonly found in the intestines of tigers, leopards, and dogs. The presence of the larval stage of G. spinigerum in humans, who are not the normal hosts, causes a skin condition called creeping eruption.

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Gnath·os·to·ma (nath-osґto-mə) [gnatho- + stoma] a genus of nematodes of the family Gnathostomatidae, which are parasitic in various mammals. G. spiniґgerum causes gnathostomiasis in cats, dogs, and humans.