Guinea worm

A nematode worm, Dracunculus medinensis, that is a parasite of man. The white threadlike adult female, 60-120 cm long, lives in the connective tissues beneath the skin. It releases its larvae into a large blister on the legs or arms; when the limbs are immersed in water the larvae escape and are subsequently eaten by tiny water fleas ( Cyclops), in which their development continues. The disease dracontiasis results from drinking water contaminated with Cyclops.


 


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