Files
Abstract
Dracunculus medinensis (GW) is a parasitic nematode that causes the disease dracunculiasis in humans. Other Dracunculus species infect wildlife hosts. GW is transmitted via ingestion of infected copepods (intermediate host). GW is targeted by an eradication program that has decreased cases >99.99% since the 1980s. In Chad, Africa, GW infections in dogs are increasing and pose a challenge to eradication efforts. It is unlikely that animal hosts become infected by directly ingesting copepods; thus, I investigated other infection routes: paratenic and transport hosts. Copepods were readily ingested by fish (34/50 [68%]) and frogs (18/50 [36%]) over 24 hours, supporting their roles as transport or paratenic hosts, respectively. I found that four amphibian, two lizard, and one fish species are susceptible to infection with GW or Dracunculus insignis larvae. Infections persisted up to eight months. These findings inform future efforts to eradicate GW and understand Dracunculus spp. transmission to wildlife.