Gözde ACIDUMAN SUBAŞIAY, Abdullah YILDIZ, Pınar AYSERT YILDIZ, Ahmet ACIDUMAN
Journal of Clinical Practice and Research - 2026;48(3):330-338
Objective: Guinea worm disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis, is referred to as "?Irq al-Madan?" in medieval Arabic medical literature. This study examines Guinea worm disease, or "?Irq al-Madan?, " through an analysis of medieval medical texts written in the Islamic world between the 9th and 12th centuries. Understanding its historical context provides valuable insights into the development of parasitology and public health in premodern medical traditions. Materials and Methods: Relevant sections from the works of prominent medieval Islamic physicians, including Th?bit b. Qurra, Ab? Bakr Mu?ammad b. Zakariyy?? al-R?z?, ?Al? b. al-?Abb?s al-Maj?s?, Ab? l-Q?sim Khalaf b. ?Abb?s al-Zahr?w?, Ab? ?Al? Ibn S?n?, and Ab? Marw?n ?Abd al-Malik b. Zuhr, were examined to analyze how "?Irq al-Madan?" was described, diagnosed, and treated. The findings were compared with one another and with contemporary medical knowledge and literature on Guinea worm disease. Results: The analysis highlights overlapping, complementary, and divergent perspectives on the disease's etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, all situated within the framework of humoral pathology. In addition to the use of medicinal substances, surgical intervention was also documented as part of therapeutic practice. Conclusion: Insights from the examined medieval Islamic texts largely align with earlier knowledge about the disease. Although some observations and findings correspond with contemporary approaches, key differences emerge, particularly in the conceptualization and interpretation of the disease.
