Zahhak and Dracunculus medinensis in the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi)The first historical report of Dracunculus parasitic disease(

Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm, Medina worm and Dragon worm) is one of the parasitic worms string length reaches up to over a meter in the subcutaneous tissue of humans and some primate tropical taken place, the disease can be painful and sometimes fatal. Zahhak name is Arabic of "Dahak" in the Avesta as "Azhy Dahak". Zahhak legend is one of the most ancient Persian mythologies. Ferdowsi, consistent with cultural beliefs, symbolic and poetic language, but the source of truth, has described the adventure. The authors speculate that the snake lies on the shoulders Zahhak, in fact these are Dracunculus worm parasite. This present report is the first historical account of the development of the Dracunculus parasite disease in mammals that is mentioned in historical and literary texts.