Dracunculiasis – A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Dracunculiasis, commonly referred to as Guinea worm disease, is a neglected tropical illness caused by the parasitic nematode Dracunculus medinensis. We report a case of a 68-year-old female farmer from rural western Maharashtra who presented with a painful, pruritic swelling and watery discharge on the upper outer aspect of the right thigh for 1.5 months. Clinical examination revealed a sinus tract. Ultrasonography demonstrated a serpiginous, cord-like structure with calcification in the subcutaneous tissue. Excision biopsy revealed a calcified mass with sinus formation. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diaganosis. This case highlights the diagnostic significance of histopathological evaluation in suspected dracunculiasis, as serological investigations remain of limited value.