DRACUNCULIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Dracunculiasis is a medical condition caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, commonly known as the guinea worm. It is a parasitic infection that primarily affects humans, and is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water.
The life cycle of the guinea worm begins when an individual ingests water contaminated with microscopic water fleas (copepods) that harbor the infective larvae of the parasite. Once inside the human body, the larvae grow into adult worms measuring up to 1 to 2 meters in length. The female worms slowly migrate through the connective tissues, often causing excruciating pain and swelling in the affected areas, typically the lower limbs.
After about a year, the female worm creates a blister-like ulceration on the skin surface, usually in the lower limbs, through which it begins to emerge and release thousands of larvae to perpetuate the life cycle. This process is accompanied by intense itching, burning sensations, and secondary bacterial infections, leading to open sores and potential complications.
Dracunculiasis is a debilitating disease with significant socioeconomic impact in endemic regions, primarily sub-Saharan Africa. Its prevalence is mainly linked to poor sanitation, lack of access to clean drinking water, and limited health resources. Prevention and control measures involve water sanitation and filtration, infection surveillance, and education on safe water practices.
Efforts to eradicate dracunculiasis have been ongoing for decades, and significant progress has been made, with dramatically reduced cases globally. However, complete eradication is a challenging task due to the complex nature of the parasite's life cycle and the need for sustained public health interventions.
Common Misspellings for DRACUNCULIASIS
- sracunculiasis
- xracunculiasis
- cracunculiasis
- fracunculiasis
- rracunculiasis
- eracunculiasis
- deacunculiasis
- ddacunculiasis
- dfacunculiasis
- dtacunculiasis
- d5acunculiasis
- d4acunculiasis
- drzcunculiasis
- drscunculiasis
- drwcunculiasis
- drqcunculiasis
- draxunculiasis
- dravunculiasis
- drafunculiasis
- dradunculiasis
Etymology of DRACUNCULIASIS
The word "dracunculiasis" comes from the Latin word "dracunculus", which means "little dragon" or "serpent". The suffix "-iasis" is used to denote a pathological condition or infestation.
The term "dracunculiasis" specifically refers to the parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode worm Dracunculus medinensis, commonly known as the guinea worm. The name "dracunculus" was given to this worm due to its long, thread-like appearance, similar to a thin serpent or dragon.
Similar spelling words for DRACUNCULIASIS
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