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Cleveland CA, Garrett KB, Cozad RA, Williams BM, Murray MH, Yabsley MJ. The wild world of Guinea Worms: A review of the genus Dracunculus in wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7:289-300. [PMID: 30094178 PMCID: PMC6072916 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes are an extremely diverse and speciose group of parasites. Adult dracunculoid nematodes (Superfamily Dracunculoidea) occur in the tissues and serous cavities of mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Of the dracunculid group, perhaps best known is Dracunculus medinensis, the human Guinea Worm. Considerable work has been done on D. medinensis; however recent infections in peri-domestic dogs and the finding of naturally-infected paratenic hosts (previously unreported for D. medinensis) indicate we still have much to learn about these parasites. Furthermore, among eight species in the Old World and six species in the New World there is a lack of general life history knowledge as well as questions on species occurrence, host diversity, and transmission dynamics. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the genus Dracunculus, in order of a theoretical evolutionary progression from reptilian to mammalian hosts. Species descriptions, where available, are provided but also show where gaps occur in our knowledge of various species. Additionally, many first reports of Dracunculus spp. were done prior to the development and use of molecular tools. This is especially important for this group of parasites as speciation based on morphology is only applicable to males of the genus, and males, given their size, are notoriously difficult to recover from definitive hosts. Therefore, we also discuss current molecular tools used in the investigation of this group of parasites. Given recent host-switching events, the dracunculids are of increasing importance and require further work to expand our understanding of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Cleveland
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W, Brooks Dr, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
| | - Kayla B. Garrett
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W, Brooks Dr, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Cozad
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
| | - Brianna M. Williams
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W, Brooks Dr, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
| | - Maureen H. Murray
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Building, 589 D.W, Brooks Dr, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, GA, USA
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Cairncross S, Muller R, Zagaria N. Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) and the eradication initiative. Clin Microbiol Rev 2002; 15:223-46. [PMID: 11932231 PMCID: PMC118073 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.15.2.223-246.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease, is caused by the large female of the nematode Dracunculus medinensis, which emerges painfully and slowly from the skin, usually on the lower limbs. The disease can infect animals, and sustainable animal cycles occur in North America and Central Asia but do not act as reservoirs of human infection. The disease is endemic across the Sahel belt of Africa from Mauritania to Ethiopia, having been eliminated from Asia and some African countries. It has a significant socioeconomic impact because of the temporary disability that it causes. Dracunculiasis is exclusively caught from drinking water, usually from ponds. A campaign to eradicate the disease was launched in the 1980s and has made significant progress. The strategy of the campaign is discussed, including water supply, health education, case management, and vector control. Current issues including the integration of the campaign into primary health care and the mapping of cases by using geographic information systems are also considered. Finally, some lessons for other disease control and eradication programs are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Cairncross
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
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