The document describes Dracunculus medinensis, commonly known as the Guinea worm. It provides details on the morphology of the female and male worms, noting females are elongated and cylindrical with a recurved caudal end, while males are smaller and coiled posteriorly. The life cycle involves a cyclops intermediate host, with larvae released from females when submerged in water and infecting humans who ingest water contaminated with the larvae. Infection causes the painful disease dracunculiasis, presenting as a cutaneous blister that emerges from the skin, often followed by secondary bacterial infections like tetanus.

1. Dracunculus
Medinensis

2.  Also known as:
Guinea worm
Medina Worm
Serpent worm
Dragon worm
Disease
Dracunculiasis OR Dracontiasis

3. Females:
Elongated
Cylindricaly bluntly round anterior end
Recurved caudal
Oval shield (anterior end)
Minute triangle mouth (Quadrate
prominence)
Ovarian tubules,oviduct, and uteri –Paired
Vigina – not Paired

4. Males:
Smaller than females
Coiled posterior
Pairs of caudal papillae (4 pre-anal and 6 post
anal)
Copulatory spicule (subsequal)
Gubernaculum

5. IH – Cyclops
Life Span:
MALE- 6MONTHS
FEMALES- 1YEAR
Viviparous

6. Larvae:
Coiled bodies
Cuticle is striated
SET FREE – At time of partition when submerged
is water

7. Disease:
Dracunculiasis or Dracontiasis
Cutaneous blister
Secondary bacterial – TETANUS
Sequelae:
Arthritis
Synovitis
Ankylosis
Anything involving LIMBS

8. Diagnosis:
Symtoms followed after development of
CUTANEOUS LESION
Fluid Discharge by the worm- Rhabditiform
No Serologic Test
Other test:
EMBRYO – using water
Intadermal test
Xray
Eosinophilia