GUINEA WORM Meaning and
Definition
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Guinea worm, scientifically known as Dracunculus medinensis, is a parasitic worm that infects humans and causes a painful disease known as dracunculiasis or Guinea worm disease. It is a nematode belonging to the class Secernentea.
The adult female Guinea worm can grow up to two to three feet in length inside the human body. The infection occurs when a person consumes water contaminated with the larvae of the worm through drinking or using water for activities like cooking or washing. Once ingested, the larvae penetrate the stomach and intestines, migrate through the body, and eventually settle in the deeper tissues, usually in the lower limbs.
After approximately one year of incubation, a painful blister forms on the surface of the skin, usually on the legs or feet, through which the female Guinea worm emerges to release thousands of larvae into the water. This process causes extreme pain and incapacitates the infected person, often preventing them from working or attending school.
The eradication of Guinea worm disease has been a major global health goal. Control and prevention strategies include filtering drinking water to eliminate infected larvae, educating communities on safe water practices, and implementing enhanced surveillance and treatment programs. Efforts to eliminate Guinea worm disease have made significant progress, with a dramatic decrease in the number of reported cases worldwide.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A worm which affects the skin of man, particularly the legs, in warm climates.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GUINEA WORM
- fuinea worm
- vuinea worm
- buinea worm
- huinea worm
- yuinea worm
- tuinea worm
- gyinea worm
- ghinea worm
- gjinea worm
- giinea worm
- g8inea worm
- g7inea worm
- guunea worm
- gujnea worm
- guknea worm
- guonea worm
- gu9nea worm
- gu8nea worm
- guibea worm
- guineaworm
Etymology of GUINEA WORM
The etymology of the word "guinea worm" can be traced back to the Guinea region of West Africa, which includes countries such as Guinea, Mali, and Ghana.
The name "guinea worm" was derived from the old English word "gigne" or "gingne", meaning an inflamed swelling or abscess. This likely represents the swelling caused by the guinea worm infection. The term "guinea" may have been added in reference to the belief that the worm originated from the West African region called Guinea.
It is worth noting that the disease caused by the parasite, Dracunculus medinensis, is officially known as dracunculiasis. However, the common name "guinea worm" has been widely used, and it comes from the historical and cultural context of the region where the disease is prevalent.
Similar spelling word for GUINEA WORM
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