Dioctophyme renale

Dioctophyme renale, commonly referred to as the "giant kidney worm" [1][2][3] is a parasitic roundworm whose mature form is found in the kidneys of mammals. D. renale is distributed worldwide, but is less common in Africa and Oceania.[4] It affects fish eating mammals, particularly mink [1] and dogs.[4] Human infestation is rare, but results in destruction of the kidneys. Upon diagnosis through tissue sampling, the only treatment is surgical excision.

Characteristics
Shape and Size
Adult male worms are 20 40 cm long and 5 6 mm wide; females are 103 cm in length with a width of 10 12 mm. Eggs are 60-80 micrometres x 39-47 micrometres.
Genome Information
whole genome not resolved
Food Source
Ingestion of undercooked or raw freshwater fish
Pathological Factor
humans, suffer from pressure necrosis caused by growing worms and their feeding activities. This reduces the infected kidney to a thin-walled, ineffective organ. Loss of kidney function and uremic poisoning are severe side effects. Treatment is limited to surgical removal of the parasite and the affected kidney. Human infection with D. renale is rare and generally easy to avoid via thorough cooking of fish and boiling of water.
Disease
Dioctophyme renalis infection
Symptoms
hematuria, nephritis, renal enlargement,
Affected Body Organs
kidneys (typically the right)

Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Nematoda
Class Secernentea
Order Ascaridida
Family Dioctophymatidae
Genus Dioctophyme
Species D. renale