Guinea Worm: Socio-Cultural Studies, Morphometry, Histomorphology, Vector Species and Dna Probe For Dracunculus Species.

Abstract

Dracunculiasis still remains as a disease of public health importance in Ghana, especially in the Northern, Volta and Brong-Ahafo Regions, despite over a decade of an Eradication Programme. In this study, attempts have been made to determine the problems associated with the eradication of Guinea worm in the Northern Region of Ghana, and suggestions provided to overcome them. Also investigated were the longitudinal anatomical variation of the parasite, the vector species and a DNA probe for Dracunculus species. It was found out that 43% of the populace still got afflicted with the malady during the last transmission season, with 33% suffering from the disease for the second consecutive year. The disease appears to be sustained by the very long transmission season, spanning over six months. The knowledge index of the local people with respect to the disease was quite high. Over 50% of respondents seem to be aware of disease causation, prevention, and management. Unfortunately, however, apathy, lack of motivation, and w'orker fatigue on the part o f G WEP staff appear to be factors in the resurgence of the disease. In the histomorphological part of the study, the longitudinal anatomical variation of the parasite was evaluated and its histomorpholgy illustrated. At maturity, the gut of the female guinea worm was found to be completely atrophied and the entire worm made-up of the larvae-filled uterus. Differences in the musculature from the anterior region, with much thicker muscles to the mid region were observed. The most important vectors of dracunculiasis in the study areas are: M. keiferi —> M. aspericornis —> T. incisus —> T. inopinus —> T. oblongatus .