In this article we will discuss about the clinical features of guinea worm.
The disease caused by Dracunculus medinensis in human is called Dracontiasis or Dracunculiasis:
i. Source of infection:
Infected Cyclops
ii. Infecting agent:
Larva
iii. Portal of entry:
Alimentary canal, gaining entrance along with drinking water.
iv. Site of location:
Subcutaneous tissues, generally in such a part of body which regularly comes in contact with cold water like hands, legs, feet etc.
v. Incubation period:
Varies from 10-12 months.
Pathogenic Effects:
This is not a lethal disease, it is a serious problem in endemic countries with substantial adverse effects on health, education and agriculture. Blister formation and the ulcer may coincide with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fainting, asthma etc. The symptoms strongly suggest an allergic reaction and Eosinophilia is marked.
Later symptoms result from secondary invasion of the ulcer by bacteria. The local practice in India has been done to remove the worm by gently rolling the worm daily around a small stick and slowly pulling it out of the skin.
The worms are usually mechanically extracted and, being elastic are likely to break. The broken end of the worm draws back, carrying with it into its connective tissue sheath various bacteria which form abscesses. These may cause severe infection and may even lead to fatal blood poisoning.