(Synonym: Guinea-worm.)

State the character of the lesions produced by the filaria medinensis.

The young microscopic worm penetrates the skin or deeper tissue, where it grows gradually, finally reaching several inches or more in length and about a half-line in thickness; inflammation is excited and a tumor-like swelling makes its appearance, which, sooner or later, breaks, disclosing the worm. It may also present a cord-like appearance. It is rarely met with outside of tropical countries.

Treatment consists in gradual extraction, or in the injection of a corrosive sublimate solution (1:1000) into the forming tumor. Asafetida internally has been found to be curative, the parasite being destroyed and subsequently absorbed or discharged.