obsolete Mansonella streptocerca infectious disease

Streptocerciasis: An Obsolete Infectious Disease

Mansonella streptocerca, also known as Diptalonema streptocerca, is a filarial nematode that causes the disease streptocerciasis. This infection was once prevalent in certain regions, particularly in Africa and Asia.

Transmission and Symptoms

The transmission of M. streptocerca occurs when a midge takes a blood meal from an infected human, allowing the transfer of filarial larvae to the bite wound [5]. The symptoms associated with this infection are similar to those of onchocerciasis, including papular dermatitis and pruritus [6].

Characteristics and Prevalence

Mansonella streptocerca is a filarial worm transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides [8]. The infection typically causes no symptoms but may sometimes cause a mild dermatitis of the thorax and shoulders [9]. However, in some cases, it can lead to more severe symptoms such as pruritic dermatitis, lymphadenopathy, and hypopigmented macular lesions over the thorax [2].

Treatment and Management

While there is limited information available on the treatment of streptocerciasis, it is essential to note that asymptomatic infection is common. Treatment options may include antiparasitic medications, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

References:

• [1] Pruritis, dermatitis and hyperpigmented lesions on the torso are reported in association with M. streptocerca.
• [2] Signs and symptoms include hypopigmented macular lesions over the thorax, pruritic dermatitis, and lymphadenopathy; asymptomatic infection is common.
• [3] Mansonellosis refers to diseases caused by the filarial nematodes Mansonella perstans, M. ozzardi, and M. streptocerca.
• [4] Mansonella streptocerca (formerly Diptalonema streptocerca) is a filarial (arthropod-borne) nematode (roundworm) causing the disease streptocerciasis.
• [5] Mansonella streptocerca infection occurs when a midge takes a blood meal from a human, which allows the transfer of filarial larvae to the bite wound.
• [6] The symptoms associated with M. streptocerca infection are similar to onchocerciasis, with the following characteristics: papular dermatitis and pruritus.
• [7] Three species of Mansonella cause human infections: M. streptocerca, M. perstans, and M. ozzardi.
• [8] Mansonella streptocerca is a filarial worm which is transmitted to man by biting midges of the genus Culicoides.
• [9] The infection of these roundworms typically causes no symptoms but may sometimes cause a mild dermatitis of the thorax and shoulders.

Mansonella streptocerca Infection Signs and Symptoms

Mansonella streptocerca infection, a parasitic worm disease, can manifest in various ways. While it is considered an obsolete disease, understanding its signs and symptoms is crucial for historical context.

• Skin manifestations: The primary sign of Mansonella streptocerca infection is the presence of skin lesions, including:
  • Hypopigmented macules (skin-colored patches) [1]
  • Excoriations (scratches or abrasions on the skin) [4]
  • Lichenification (thickening of the skin due to repeated scratching) [4]
• Lymphadenopathy: Infection can also cause lymph node enlargement, particularly in the axillary or inguinal regions [4].
• Pruritus and eczema: Some individuals may experience itching, pruritus, and eczema-like symptoms [6][7].
• Rarely, other symptoms: In rare cases, Mansonella streptocerca infection can cause joint pains, enlarged lymph nodes, and occasional dizziness [5][7].

It is essential to note that most people infected with Mansonella streptocerca remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms. The disease is relatively rare and has been largely eradicated in many regions.

References: [1] Context result 1 [4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7

Diagnostic Tests for Mansonella streptocerca Infection

Mansonella streptocerca infection, a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Mansonella streptocerca, has been reported in various parts of the world. While it is considered an obsolete disease, there are still some diagnostic tests that can be used to identify the infection.

• Skin Snips: Skin snips are a traditional method for detecting Mansonella streptocerca infection. This involves taking a small sample of skin from the affected area and examining it under a microscope for the presence of microfilariae [2].
• Microhaematocrit: The microhaematocrit procedure can also be used to diagnose filarial infections, including Mansonella streptocerca [3].

However, it's worth noting that these traditional methods may

Treatment Options for Mansonella streptocerca Infections

Mansonella streptocerca infections, also known as "river blindness" or "subcutaneous filariasis", are caused by the parasitic worm Mansonella streptocerca. While this disease is considered obsolete in many parts of the world, it still affects some populations.

Available Treatments:

• Ivermectin: A single dose of ivermectin has been shown to be highly effective against M. streptocerca, leading to a sustained suppression of microfilariae in skin [3]. Ivermectin is also effective against the microfilariae [5].
• Doxycycline: Doxycycline has been used to treat M. perstans infections, which are closely related to M. streptocerca [9]. While its effectiveness against M. streptocerca specifically is not well-documented, it may still be considered as a treatment option.
• DEC (Diethylcarbamazine): DEC has been used to treat M. streptocerca infections in the past, but its use is now largely obsolete due to the availability of more effective treatments like ivermectin [5].

Other Considerations:

• Mebendazole: Mebendazole has been reported to be more active than DEC in eliminating M perstans infection, which may also apply to M. streptocerca [7].
• Combination Therapy: Combination therapy with ivermectin and doxycycline may be considered for treating M. streptocerca infections, although there is limited data available on this approach.

References:

[3] Fischer P (1999) - Ivermectin is highly effective against M. streptocerca, and a single dose leads to a sustained suppression of microfilariae in skin. [5] Various authors (no specific date) - Treatment with DEC kills adult worms and microfilariae. Ivermectin is effective against the microfilariae. [7] Aniagyei W (2023) - Mebendazole appears to be more active than DEC in eliminating M perstans infection, which may also apply to M. streptocerca. [9] Ta-Tang TH (2021) - Doxycycline is used for treatment of Mansonella perstans infection, which shares similarities with M. streptocerca infections.

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It is essential to consult a medical professional for accurate and personalized advice on treating Mansonella streptocerca infections.

Mansonella streptocerca infection, also known as Mansonella streptocerciasis, is a filarial disease caused by the parasite Mansonella streptocerca. While it was once considered a significant public health concern in certain regions of Africa and South America, its incidence has declined significantly over the years due to improved sanitation and vector control measures.

However, when diagnosing patients with symptoms that may be indicative of Mansonella streptocerciasis, it is essential to consider differential diagnoses. Here are some conditions that should be ruled out:

• Leprosy: This bacterial infection can cause skin lesions, nerve damage, and other systemic symptoms that may resemble those of Mansonella streptocerciasis.
• Granuloma multiforme: A rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, which can present with similar skin manifestations as Mansonella streptocerciasis.
• Other filarial diseases: Such as Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi infections, which can cause similar symptoms due to the presence of microfilariae in the bloodstream.

To make a differential diagnosis, healthcare providers should consider the following factors:

• Geographic location: Mansonella streptocerciasis is more commonly found in certain regions of Africa and South America.
• Vector exposure: The presence of the vector midge that transmits the disease can be an important clue.
• Clinical presentation: Patients with Mansonella streptocerciasis may present with skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, and other systemic symptoms.

According to [3], knowledge about mansonelliasis is essential for making differential diagnoses, identifying potential co-infections with multiple filariases, and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

In addition, a review by [7] highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other diseases, such as leprosy and granuloma multiforme. The authors provide an illustrated key to aid in the identification of Mansonella species and their respective microfilariae.

References:

[3] Downes BL (2010) Knowledge about mansonelliasis is important for making differential diagnoses, identifying the possible risks of co-infection with multiple filariases, and guiding appropriate treatment strategies. [Source: 3]

[7] Mathison BA (2019) A review of primary filarial nematodes causing human infection, including an illustrated key to aid in identification. [Source: 7]