ADVERTISEMENTS:
The below mentioned article provides a short note on Dracunculus Medinensis (Guinea Worm).
Morphology of Dracunculus Medinensis (Guinea Worm):
It is the largest milky white human trematode (male—30 mm in length, 0.4 mm in diameter with coiled posterior end; female-120 cm x 1.7 mm with tapering end). Anterior end (Fig. 109.45), head end (Fig. 109.46) of female adult; posterior end (Fig. 109.47) of male. Embryos (750 µx 25 µ) are wiry, coiled with a round head (Fig. 109.48).
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Life Cycle of Dracunculus Medinensis (Guinea Worm):
Man definite host, ingests, infected Cyclops (intermediate host) which is digested in the stomach; the larvae are liberated, migrate through intestine into the retroperitoneal tissue where they grow, sexually mature and are fertilised the gravid female migrates into the skin where blister, then ulcer is formed and discharges embryo, in water is ingested by Cyclops (Fig. 109.49)
Clinical Features of Dracunculus Medinensis (Guinea Worm):
Allergic reaction and toxaemia due to toxin liberated by migrating worm-erythema, urticaria, pruritus, nausea, diarrhoea and giddiness and blister on the sole of feet, ankles, shoulder etc. which bursts out into ulcer with emerging adult worm from its centre.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Laboratory Diagnosis of Dracunculus Medinensis (Guinea Worm):
1. Detection of adult worm in the ulcer and embryo discharged in the water;
2. Skin test;
3. Calcified worm by X-ray.
4. Falcon Assay Screening test (FAST ELISA) is most recent serology for diagnosis of dracunculosis.
Treatment:
1. Removal of adult worm from ulcer by Indian barber technique,
2. The drugs (Niridazole, thiobendazole, mebendazole, metronidazole) reduce duration of emergence and associated pain, Ivermectin is under trial.
