Spiruridae

The Spiruridae are large nematodes whose development requires an intermediate host - often small crustaceans of the genus Cyclops. The infection occurs partly directly partly via intermediate hosts, e.g. amphipods, partly via transport hosts, e.g. fish.

Spiruridae are parasites of terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates, including Filarioidea - filarial worms. They use all vertebrates as a host

The most relevant representative for human medicine is Dracunculus medinensis.

Animal parasites of the order Spirurida exhibit strong organotropism; that is, they tend to leave the digestive tract to invade tissues (Chabaud and Bain, 1994).

1. Chabaud A et al (1994). The evolutionary dispersal of Spirurida. International journal of parasitology 24:1179-1201.
2. Kassal, T. 2002. a worm by any other name. Trends in Parasitology 18:246.