dracunculiasis /drakun′kyo͝olī″əsis/ [Gk, drakontion, little dragon, osis, condition] , a parasitic infection caused by infestation by the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. It is characterized by ulcerative skin lesions on the legs and feet that are produced by the emergence of one or more gravid female worms, which may be visible. People are infected by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated shellfish. It is common in densely populated tropic and subtropic areas of the world. Treatment involves slow, progressive, mechanical removal of the worm over several days. Metronidazole may reduce inflammation and facilitate removal of the worm. Also called dracontiasis, Guinea worm infection, dracunculosis.
