title: Dracunculiasis in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
abstract: Dracunculiasis, otherwise known as guinea worm disease (GWD), is caused by infection with the nematode Dracunculus medinensis. This nematode is transmitted to humans exclusively via contaminated drinking water. The transmitting vectors are Cyclops copepods (water fleas), which are tiny free-swimming crustaceans usually found abundantly in freshwater ponds. Humans can acquire GWD by drinking water that contains vectors infected with guinea worm larvae. This disease is prevalent in some of the most deprived areas of the world, and no vaccine or medicine is currently available. International efforts to eradicate dracunculiasis began in the early 1980s. Most dentists and maxillofacial surgeons have neglected this kind of parasite infection. However, when performing charitable work in developing countries near the tropic lines or other regions where GWD is endemic, it is important to consider GWD in cases of swelling or tumors of unknown origin. This paper reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical criteria, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and prevention of dracunculiasis. It also summarizes important factors for maxillofacial surgeons to consider.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Microvascular Reconstruction Lab, Sunyani Regional Hospital, Sunyani, Brong Ahafo, Ghana.; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Soung Min
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-6916-0489
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Dracunculiasis; Dracunculus medinensis; Guinea worm disease; Neglected tropical diseases; Swelling of unknown origin