Dracunculiasis Workup

Updated: Sep 24, 2018
  • Author: Vinod K Dhawan, MD, FACP, FRCPC, FIDSA; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

The following studies are indicated in dracunculiasis:

  • CBC count with differential: The WBC count is likely elevated, even if only slightly. The differential commonly indicates eosinophilia.

  • Serum immunoglobulin levels: Immunoglobulin E (IgE), immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels are usually elevated, with variability depending on the stage of disease. Patent infections (immediately following blister eruption but before ulcer formation) cause the greatest elevation of the 2 IgG subclasses, whereas both are relatively less elevated with postpatent (ulcerated) or prepatent (blister in formative stage) infections.

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Imaging Studies

See the list below:

  • A radiologic examination (plain-film roentgenography) of the lower extremity may prove useful in the identification of calcified worms in the rare case when surgery is considered. Incidental identification of calcified lesions from dracunculiasis has also been reported after radiographic evaluation of a painful lower extremity.

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