Note on Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea-worm)

Guinea Worm (Dracunculus medinensis) Infection in a Wild-Caught Frog, Chad

A third-stage (infective) larva of Dracunculus medinensis, the causative agent of Guinea worm disease, was recovered from a wild-caught Phrynobatrachus francisci frog in Chad. Although green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) have been experimentally infected with D. medinensis worms, our findings prove that frogs can serve as natural paratenic hosts.

Dracunculus Medinensis

Etymologia: Dracunculus medinensis

A Note on the Treatment of Guinea-Worm Infection

Possible Role of Fish as Transport Hosts for Dracunculus spp. Larvae

To inform Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) eradication efforts, we evaluated the role of fish as transport hosts for Dracunculus worms. Ferrets fed fish that had ingested infected copepods became infected, highlighting the importance of recommendations to cook fish, bury entrails, and prevent dogs from consuming raw fish and entrails.