Dioctophyme

Dioctophyme is a genus of parasitic nematodes from the family Dioctophymidae. The most well-known species is Dioctophyme renale, commonly known as the giant kidney worm, which is a parasite that affects a variety of mammalian species, including humans.

Overview

Dioctophyme renale is the largest nematode to infect humans. The adult worms are typically found in the kidney, specifically the right one. The infection is rare in humans and is typically found in carnivorous mammals.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Dioctophyme renale involves several stages. The adult worms live in the kidney of the definitive host where they produce eggs. These eggs are passed out of the host in urine. Once in water, the eggs hatch into first-stage larvae. These larvae are ingested by an intermediate host, typically an annelid. In the annelid, the larvae develop into third-stage larvae that are infective to the definitive host. The definitive host becomes infected when it eats an infected annelid.

Symptoms and Treatment

In humans, infection with Dioctophyme renale can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain in the side, blood in the urine, and a palpable mass in the abdomen. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the worm.

See Also

• Parasitic worms
• Nematodes
• Dioctophymidae

Dioctophyme Resources
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