Dokalkyliasia

Dokalkyliasia is a fictional zoonotic infectious disease described in speculative biology and used in worldbuilding contexts to illustrate how novel pathogens might interact with hosts. It has no standing in real-world medicine.

Origin and causative agent: The disease is attributed to a hypothetical protozoan-like microbe of the genus Dokalkylia, assigned to the family Dokalkylaceae in the fictional order Dokalkylidia. In this setting, the microbe invades reticuloendothelial cells and adheres to intestinal mucosa, enabling systemic spread. Transmission is primarily through ingestion of contaminated water and through aquatic vectors such as snails; person-to-person transmission is considered inefficient but possible with high inocula.

Clinical features and pathogenesis: The incubation period ranges from 7 to 14 days. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and headaches, followed by abdominal pain, hepatosplenomegaly, and a transient rash. In severe cases, liver dysfunction and secondary bacterial infections may occur. The disease triggers dysregulated inflammatory responses that contribute to organ involvement.

Diagnosis and management: Diagnosis relies on fictional serology or molecular tests designed to detect Dokalkylia markers. There is no established specific antimicrobial therapy in the literature of the setting; management focuses on supportive care and treatment of complications. Prevention centers on safe water, sanitation, vector control, and public health surveillance. The concept has appeared in several worldbuilding anthologies since the early 2100s.