Guineaféreg

Guineaféreg, scientifically known as Dracunculus medinensis, is a parasitic roundworm that causes the disease dracunculiasis, commonly referred to as Guinea worm disease. It is the longest of all the nematodes to infect humans, with females reaching up to a meter in length. The life cycle of the Guineaféreg is complex, involving humans and small aquatic crustaceans called copepods as intermediate hosts.

Infection occurs when a person drinks water contaminated with copepods that have ingested the larval stage of the worm. Once inside the human digestive system, the larvae mature into adult worms. Adult male worms die after mating, while the pregnant females migrate to subcutaneous tissues, often in the legs and feet. After about a year, the female worm emerges through the skin, typically creating a blister that ruptures when it comes into contact with water. The emerging worm releases thousands of larvae into the water, which are then ingested by copepods, continuing the cycle.

The primary symptom of dracunculiasis is the visible emergence of the worm from the skin, which is extremely painful. The wound can become infected, leading to secondary bacterial infections, cellulitis, and in severe cases, permanent disability. Historically, Guinea worm disease was endemic in many parts of Africa and Asia. However, through extensive eradication efforts, including improved access to clean drinking water and public awareness campaigns, the disease has been significantly reduced. As of the early 21st century, it is on the verge of eradication, with only a handful of human cases reported annually, primarily in a few African countries.