Rare DiseasesDracunculiasis: A Parastic Disease in Tropical Regions

Dracunculiasis: A Parastic Disease in Tropical Regions

Dracunculiasis, also known as Guinea worm disease, is a parasitic disease commonly found in tropical regions. It is caused by a parasite called “Dracunculus medinensis,” which is a type of nematode. Dracunculiasis is typically spread through water sources that are contaminated. An individual with this disease develops a painful and swollen skin blister in the lower part of the body. Early diagnosis of Dracunculiasis is important for the treatment of its symptoms and control of the disease. Treatment usually involves applying a soft and sticky substance around the infected individual and slowly pulling out the worm through the wound. International health organizations and institutions are implementing various programs aimed at reducing and eradicating Dracunculiasis worldwide. These programs aim to increase access to clean water sources, prevent the spread of the disease, and treat infected individuals.

Causes of Dracunculiasis

The cause of Dracunculiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode species called Dracunculus medinensis. This disease is transmitted through water sources that are contaminated. The Dracunculus medinensis worm enters the human body through the consumption of water contaminated with this dirty water source and can be transmitted to other individuals who consume the drinking water of an infected person. The Dracunculus medinensis worm grows in the human body and leads to the production of thin and slow-growing worms that can be 1 to 2 meters long in the body. The female worms create an opening or wound in the body and are expelled through this route. The female worm that comes out of the infected person’s body falls into water and mixes with drinking water. When people consume this contaminated water, the larvae of the worm enter the body, and the cycle starts again.

Symptoms of Dracunculiasis

The symptoms of Dracunculiasis appear when the disease has progressed in an infected individual:

  • a painful ulcer
  • a lump on the wound
  • pain and burning sensation
  • secondary infections
  • weakness and feeling unwell

Diagnosis of Dracunculiasis

The diagnosis of Dracunculiasis is usually based on clinical signs and symptoms:

Clinical Evaluation: A healthcare professional evaluates the patient’s medical history and symptoms.

Visual Examination: The physician can examine if there are any wounds, blisters, or swelling on the patient’s body.

Laboratory Tests: The diagnosis of Dracunculiasis can be confirmed by detecting the presence of the Dracunculus medinensis worm that causes the disease.

Imaging: Rarely, radiological imaging can be used for the diagnosis of Dracunculiasis.

Treatment of Dracunculiasis

The treatment of Dracunculiasis involves the removal of the Dracunculus medinensis worm from the body:

Extraction of the Worm: An individual showing symptoms of Dracunculiasis is treated by inserting a stick or a similar object into the infected area. This stick helps the worm to come out of the body.

Wound Care: The wound should be treated in a clean and hygienic manner.

Hygienic Measures: To prevent the spread of Dracunculiasis, the infected individual should avoid contact with water sources and refrain from using contaminated water sources.

Management of Dracunculiasis

The management of Dracunculiasis is achieved through programs conducted by national and international health organizations to control and eliminate the spread of the disease:

Early Detection and Diagnosis: Early recognition and diagnosis of Dracunculiasis are crucial.

Worm Extraction: Infected individuals should be taught appropriate techniques to remove the Dracunculus medinensis worm from their bodies.

Monitoring and Care of Infected Individuals: Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is important for the recovery of individuals affected by Dracunculiasis and proper care of their wounds.

Provision of Clean Drinking Water: Measures should be taken to increase access to clean drinking water sources and discourage the use of contaminated water sources.

Hygienic Practices: Hygienic measures should be implemented to prevent the contact of infected individuals with water sources and to clean water sources around infected individuals.

Community Education: It is important for communities to be educated about Dracunculiasis and learn important hygienic practices to prevent the spread of the infection.

National and International Collaboration: The management of Dracunculiasis involves collaboration between national health authorities and international health organizations.

Exclusive content

Latest article

More article