Guinea worm

Definition

Guinea worm, also known as Dracunculus medinensis, is a parasitic nematode that causes Dracunculiasis. It is transmitted to humans through the ingestion of water contaminated with infected copepods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Guinea worm infection leads to Dracunculiasis, characterized by painful skin ulcers.
2. The life cycle of the guinea worm involves humans and copepods found in freshwater sources.
3. Infection occurs when a person drinks water containing copepods that harbor the larvae of the parasite.
4. The female guinea worm can grow up to one meter in length inside the human body.
5. Efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease have significantly reduced its prevalence worldwide.

Review Questions

• What organism causes Dracunculiasis?
• How is Guinea worm primarily transmitted to humans?
• Describe one major symptom associated with Guinea worm infection.

Related terms

Dracunculiasis: A disease caused by infection with the parasitic Guinea worm.

Nematode: A phylum of worms also known as roundworms, which includes parasitic species like the Guinea worm.

Copepod: A type of small crustacean found in freshwater and saltwater habitats, acting as an intermediate host for the Guinea worm.