Possible Role of Fish as Transport Hosts for Dracunculus spp. Larvae

Abstract

To inform Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) eradication efforts, we evaluated the role of fish as transport hosts for Dracunculus worms. Ferrets fed fish that had ingested infected copepods became infected, highlighting the importance of recommendations to cook fish, bury entrails, and prevent dogs from consuming raw fish and entrails.

Keywords: Chad; Dracunculus insignis; Dracunculus medinensis; Guinea worm disease; United States; dracunculiasis; ferrets; fish; life cycle stages; parasites; transport host; zoonoses.