Dracunculus
From Free net encyclopedia
A genus of spiruroid nematode parasites in the family Dracunculidae.
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Includes
- D. alii
- D. dahomensis
- D. globocephalus
- D. ophidensis (parasite of reptiles)
- D. fuelliborni (parasite of oppossum)
- D. lutrae (parasite of otters)
- D. insignis infects dogs and wild carnivores, causing cutaneous lesions, ulcers, and sometimes heart and vertebral column lesions. Also known as "Guinea worm", "Fiery Dragon", and "Dragon".
- D. medinensis, known commonly as the Guinea worm, is frequently found in the subcutaneous tissues and muscles of humans, dogs, and sometimes cattle and horses. The medical name for this condition is dracunculiasis. The disease causes cutaneous nodules and subsequent ulcers. The caudal end of the adult female worm protrudes from the host animal's ankle through an ulcer, allowing it to release its offspring into water, where they can find new hosts.Template:Invertebrate-stub