Dracunculus medinensis
| Guinea worm | |
|---|---|
| Photomicrograph of larvae | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Nematoda |
| Class: | Secernentea |
| Order: | Camallanida |
| Family: | Dracunculidae |
| Genus: | Dracunculus |
| Species: | D. medinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Dracunculus medinensis | |
| Synonyms | |
Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm, dragon worm, fiery serpent) is a nematode that causes dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease. The disease is caused by the female which, at around 80 centimetres (31 inches) in length, is among the longest nematodes infecting humans. In contrast, the longest recorded male Guinea worm is only 4 cm (1+1⁄2 in).
Guinea worm is on target to be the second infectious disease of humans to be eradicated, after smallpox. It was formerly endemic to a wide swath of Africa and Eurasia; as of 2023, it remains endemic in 5 countries: Chad, Mali, South Sudan, Angola and Ethiopia, with most cases in Chad. Guinea worm spread to Angola c. 2018, and it is now considered endemic there. Infection of domestic dogs is a serious complication in Chad.
The common name "guinea worm" is derived from the Guinea region of Western Africa.