In this article we will discuss about the life history of guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis). Dracunculus is digenetic i.e. it requires two hosts to complete its life cycle. One is the primary host, the man which harbours the adult parasite in the subcutaneous tissue. The other is the intermediate host, the Cyclops in which the embryos undergo certain developmental changes [...]
In this article we will discuss about the anatomy of guinea worm (explained with diagram). The anatomy of the female is best known, the male remaining virtually unknown until Moorthy and Sweet (1936), obtained them in experimentally infected dogs. The males are much smaller than the females and measures 12-30 mm in length, 0.4 mm in breadth and were found [...]
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 [...]