Dracunculus medinensis

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1. Drah- kung”ku - lus/med”in - en’ -sis Juaban, E.M

2. Most commonly known as: GUINEA WORM longest nematode known Common associated d i se ase : DRACUNCULIASIS or GUINEA WORM DISEASE

3. P akistan Found in parts of Africa, India, Asia, & Middle East Mali Chad South Sudan Ethiopia

4. MOT: Drinking contaminated water Sources: fresh water ( e.g. ponds and lakes ), human- made water holes, stagnant water

5. Table 8-18 Dracunculus medinensis First-Stage Larva Parameter Description Average size 620 by 15 μm Tail characteristics Consumes one third of body length; culminates in a point **Third-Stage Larva (L3)-(12-14 days) INFECTIVE STAGE

6. Table 8-19 Dracunculus medinensis Adults Characteristic Adult male Adult female Size 21 by 0.4 mm 840 by 1.5 mm Other features Anterior end coils itself at least once Prominent blunt, rounded anterior end mating happens after 3-4 months male worm dies after copulation viviparous carries 3 million embryos

7. Intermediate host: C YCLOPS Definitive host: HUMAN

8. Asymptomatic (1 year) SYMP T OMS: Slight fever Itchy rash Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Dizziness CONDITIONS: F e m ale w or m e m e r g e s to subcutaneous tissue Secondary bacterial infection: cellulitis abscesses sepsis joint infections tetanus Non-emergent worms: calcification disabilities

9. Examination of the fluid discharged by the worm can show rhabditiform larvae.

10. Drug Therapy — Metronidazole To help prevent bacterial infections Anti-inflammatory to help reduce swelling Treatment includes the extraction of the adult guinea worm by rolling it a few centimeters per day Usually takes weeks or months depending on how long the worm is. Exposing area to cold water helps remove worm faster. Preferably by multiple surgical incisions under local anesthesia. Infection does not make a person immune

11. TOTAL REMOVAL OF THE WORM

12. Guinea Worm Disease (Dracunculiasis). Image. Web. 8 Dec. 2012. <guardian.co.uk> Guinea Worm. Image. Web. 8 Dec. 2012. <Who.int>

13. Avoid exposure by drinking safe water Filtering or boiling drinking water Treat water containing copepods with pesticide Preventing infected person to go to water sources Health education

14. 198 6 : Globa l Dracuncu l i asis Eradicat i o n Campaign : Former US President Jimmy Carter

15. First described as early as 1530 BC and some historians believe it is the "fiery serpent” described in the Bible. FIERY SERPENTS " MAY HAVE BEEN REFERRING TO GUINEA WORM: "AND THE LORD SENT FIERY SERPENTS AMONG THE PEOPLE, AND THEY BIT THE PEOPLE; AND MUCH PEOPLE OF ISRAEL DIED." calcified worms have been found in the mummified remains of 3000- year-old Egyptians Philippines was certified to be free of dracunculiasis in 1999 More than 1, 000 cases are found in animals 2 nd disease and 1 st parasitic disease to be eradicated D. medinensis is said to be the serpent on the Rod of Asclepius which is adopted today as the symbol of medicine