Question 1

is the guinea worm considered a pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A pathogen by definition is a non-human organism that makes humans sick

Question 2

are guinea worm infections almost eradicated?

Accepted Answer

Almost: President Carter has been leading the effort to eradicate guinea worm. You may consult this site for information: https://www.cartercenter.org/health/guinea_worm/index.html

Question 3

how serious is an infection with the guinea worm?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Guinea worm disease is one of disorders at the verge of being eradicated, thanks, in part to the efforts of President Carter. It does not occur in the US.
See this site for information about the disease.
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/guineaworm/disease.html

Question 4

what symptoms are associated with a guinea worm infection?

Accepted Answer

Skin masses: These are very distinctive for dracunculiasis. The worm presents no other signs / symptoms. Get it managed by someone who knows what they are doing. Today is is EXTREMELY uncommon. If you were given the diagnosis by an "independent medical thinker" and do not have skin lesions, then please see an evidence-based physician.

Question 5

has a guinea worm (dracunculiasis) ever infiltrated a person's brain? if so, what kind of damage can it cause?

Accepted Answer

Often fatal: Cerebral infiltration by this organism is often fatal in a relatively short amount of time.  Brain infection is unusual but can happen.  Dracunculus medinensis doesn't have a universally recognized treatment that destroys it so prevention is the best form of defense.  This parasitic infection may be the next human infirmity to be eradicated from the planet in the company of smallpox.

Question 6

can guinea worms be diagnosed by a stool exam?

Accepted Answer

No: Guinea worm comes out through the skin. See this site for more info.
http://www.who.int/dracunculiasis/disease/en/.

Question 7

what to do 4 ring worm?

Accepted Answer

Make sure: Some other rashes may look like ringworm. If you're sure that's what it is, try otc antifungal products like lamisil, (terbinafine) lotrimin, etc. If it doesn't clear within 2 weeks, see a doctor.

Question 8

does a ring worm itch ?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  but not always: Typically ringworm does tch. I've seen some patients who do not complain of itching (especially early on).  They an otc antifngal cream on the skin to see if that will help. If you are worried about it in the scalp, be sure to see your doctor.

Question 9

do grown up get pin worms.

Accepted Answer

Anyone can get them: Pinworms do not know your age.  They are fairly contagious so if one person in a family gets them everyone gets treated.

Question 10

can my pully give me worms?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Some infections that can be transmitted from dogs to humans include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms & whipworms.

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Doctor answers about:

Guinea worm

A member asked:

Is the guinea worm considered a pathogen?

A member asked:

Are guinea worm infections almost eradicated?

A member asked:

How serious is an infection with the guinea worm?

A member asked:

What symptoms are associated with a guinea worm infection?

A member asked:

Has a guinea worm (dracunculiasis) ever infiltrated a person's brain? if so, what kind of damage can it cause?

A member asked:

Can guinea worms be diagnosed by a stool exam?

A member asked:

What to do 4 ring worm?

A member asked:

Does a ring worm itch ?

A member asked:

Do grown up get pin worms.

A member asked:

Can my pully give me worms?

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