Dracunculiasis

Dracunculiasis, also known as Guinea worm disease, is a water-borne infection caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis. It is a chronic condition, often occurring in young children and adult livestock, characterized by painful blisters and ulcerations, typically on the feet or legs, that exude a worm. The infection is transmitted by drinking contaminated water, and the worms can grow up to 1 metre in length. Treatment is difficult, as the worms are not easily excreted and can take months to fully pass. Dracunculiasis is an important neglected tropical disease, with recent efforts to eliminate it having been successful in reducing the number of cases worldwide. It is a priority disease for WHO, particularly in countries of Africa and Asia, and is considered both a health and an economic burden. Improved access to clean water and sanitation is an important factor in controlling the spread of this infection, and the development of a new drug for treatment is currently being studied.