Article: A CLASSICAL REVIEW ON SNAYUKA ROGA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO DRACUNCULIASIS

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.120381

Pages: 95-98

Author: Swagata Chakraborty *, Ruma Dey, Aparajita Das

Abstract: Snayuka roga is caused by a kapha-raktaja krimi, named Snayuka. In Ayurveda, reference of Snayuka roga is available in Bhavprakash, Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhava Nidana and Yogaratnakara. This disease is characterised by shotha (swelling), daha (severe burning sensation), discolouration of skin, blisters formation similar to visarpa (Erysipelas) and it further worsens the condition if the jivam (worm) crawls out of ulcer breaks further worsens the condition. On complete exit of worm from body through the wound, the symptoms get reduced. However, it can reoccur in other distant places. These symptoms and presentation of Snayuka roga resembles with Dracunculiasis in modern science, which was endemic in various countries in last century. Dracunculiasis, a vector-borne disease, commonly known as Guinea-worm disease, is caused by the parasite called Dracunculus medinensis, commonly called as "Guinea-worm". Its larvae migrate through the Cyclops containing water to the hosts by drinking and after degeneration of Cyclops in the stomach; they migrate to subcutaneous tissues, causing severe pain along with burning sensation followed by local swelling, blisters and finally an ulcer. In India the GWD was endemic in 89 districts in seven states. India was declared as guinea worm disease free country by WHO in 2000. But intestinal parasitic infection is a main public health problem in developing countries. There is need to create awareness among people about intestinal parasitic infections. Hence, here an effort has been made to understand and review Snayuka roga, caused by Snayuka krimi as explained in Ayurvedic texts, correlating Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease- GWD).

Keyword: Snayuka roga, Dracunculiasis, Guinea worm, Snayuka krimi, GWD.