DRACUNCULUS MEDINENSIS

Dracunculus medinensis...

                          Also known as Guinea worm is a nematode that causes dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease.

                          - It is caused by the female nematode which usually measures about 30-31 inch in length andis one of the longest nematode infecting humans

                             - Adult worms cause skin inflammation and ulceration.

       Transmission :-

                              The disease is transmitted by drinking water containing the intermediate host

copepods in which the larvae live.
                       

      Diagnosis :- 

                              Dracunculiasis is diagnosed by finding the head of the worm in a skin lesion or
larvae that are released from a lesion following contact with water.

    Treatment :- 

                              The disease is treated by removing subcutaneous worms (formerly by winding them on a thin stick, now usually by surgery).