Introduction
-Dracunculiasis is caused by the nematode roundworm called Dracunculus medinensis, or Guinea worm.
-The Guinea worm is the largest tissue parasite of humans
-the disease is on the verge of being eradicated
-Humans are infected when they ingest water containing infective larvae from crustaceans like Cyclops
Symptoms & Signs
-Fever, periorbital edema, wheezing, urticaria, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea, blister formation, rupture of the blister with the worm emerging as a whitish filament in the center of a painful ulcer
-Immersion in water relieves the pain
Diagnosis
-identification of a typical skin ulcer with a protruding worm
Treatment
-No drug is effective in treating dracunculiasis
-Wet compresses, occlusive dressings
-Definitive treatment: Gradual extraction of the worm by sequentially rolling it over a small stick