DRACUNCULIASIS

Commonly known as Guinea Worm. It is a disabling worm infestation transmitted via drinking water containing copepods harboring the infective larvae of the parasite.

CAUSATIVE AGENT: Dracuncula medinensi

LIFE CYCLE OF DRACUNCULA MEDINENSI

1. Humans become infected by drinking water containing copepods containing the larvae of the parasite D. Medinensi.
2. After ingestion, the copepod die and release the larvae.
3. The larvae penetrate the host's stomach and intestinal wall and enter the abdominal cavity and retro-peritoneal space.
4. They grow into the adult worms.
5. After copulation, the male worms die and the females migrate in the subcutaneous tissues towards the skin surface.
6. Approximately one year after infection, the female worm induces a blister on the skin, generally on the distal lower extremity which ruptures.
7. When this lesion comes into contact with water, the female worm emerges and releases larvae.
8. The larvae are ingested by a copepod and after two weeks have developed into infective larvae.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Usually asymptomatic until about a year.

1. Fever
2. Swelling and pain at the area.
3. Painful blisters

MANAGEMENTS

1.  Female worm can be removed.
2. Metronidazole to help reduce inflammation and eases removal.
3. Analgesic to reduce pain.
4. Keep blisters clean and cover with sterile dressings.
5. Prevention involves improving water supply or filtering drinking water through clean cloth to remove the copepod.

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