Loa loa Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the primary habitat of adult Loa loa worms in humans?
Subcutaneous connective tissue, especially around the eye.
What is the common name for Loa loa?
African eye worm
What is the mode of transmission for Loa loa?
Skin penetration (via fly bite)
What is the infective stage of Loa loa?
L3 larvae
What is the diagnostic stage of Loa loa?
Microfilariae
What is the definitive host for Loa loa?
Man
What is the intermediate host (biological vector) for Loa loa?
Female mango fly (genus Chrysops)
Describe the general characteristics of Loa loa adult worms.
Tail is tapered.
Describe the key morphological features of Loa loa microfilariae, especially the sheath and tail nuclei.
Sheathed; Nuclei extend to the tip of tail.
What type of periodicity do Loa loa microfilariae exhibit, and when is their concentration highest in the blood?
Diurnal periodicity (10 am - 3 pm, greatest concentration in blood).
What is the term for the disease caused by Loa loa?
Loiasis
What are the key clinical manifestations of Loa loa infection?
Causes fugitive or Calabar swelling; worm may migrate across the conjunctiva.
What are the common laboratory diagnostic methods for Loa loa?
Presence of fugitive swelling with high eosinophilia; Identification of microfilariae in the peripheral blood during the day; Worm may migrate across conjunctiva (direct observation).
What are some key prophylactic measures against Loa loa infection?
Protection from Chrysops bites in endemic areas by application of repellants to exposed skin; Destructive campaign against Chrysops; Detection & treatment of infected individuals with DEC.
What are the main treatments for Loa loa infection?
Surgical removal of the adult worms; Diethylcarbamazine treatment.
