loiasis

Common Signs and Symptoms of Loiasis

Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, is a parasitic infection caused by the Loa loa worm. While many people infected with Loa loa do not develop symptoms, those who do may experience a range of signs and symptoms.

• Itchy skin swellings: One of the most common symptoms of loiasis is itchy skin swellings, also known as Calabar swellings [10]. These swellings can appear anywhere on the body but are more likely to be near joints.
• Eye worms: Another hallmark sign of loiasis is the migration of adult Loa loa worms under the bulbar conjunctiva, which can cause eye irritation and discomfort [15].
• Joint pain and fatigue: Some people with loiasis may experience joint pain and fatigue, although these symptoms are less frequent.
• Localized angioedema: In some cases, loiasis can cause localized angioedema, which is a type of swelling that can occur in the skin or subconjunctival tissues [4].
• Subconjunctival migration: The adult Loa loa worm can migrate under the conjunctiva, causing eye irritation and discomfort [4].

It's worth noting that many people with loiasis are asymptomatic, and symptoms may not appear until weeks to years after infection. If you suspect you have been infected with Loa loa, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [4] - June 3, 2020 [10] - Systemic Signs and Symptoms [15] - Loiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the Loa loa worm.

Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, can be diagnosed through various tests that detect the presence of the Loa loa parasite in the body.

• Blood Smear Test: A blood smear test is a standard diagnostic test for loiasis. It involves collecting a small sample of blood and examining it under a microscope to look for microfilariae (the immature form of the parasite) [2]. The timing of the blood smear should be adjusted to reflect local time at the point of origin of a traveler who is still experiencing symptoms [1].
• Rapid Antibody Test: A rapid antibody test, such as the Loa Rapid Antibody Test, can detect if a person has been exposed to L. loa in their lifetime, but it cannot distinguish between previous and current infections [4].
• ELISA Pan Filarial Test: An ELISA pan filarial test is another diagnostic tool that can detect the presence of Loa loa infection. This test has a sensitivity of 89% based on archived sera samples from patients with diagnosed loiasis [8].
• qPCR or LAMP Tests: These molecular tests, such as qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) or LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification), can be used to differentiate loiasis from other filarial infections and have a high degree of specificity [9].

It's worth noting that new diagnostic approaches have been developed to overcome the shortcomings of direct diagnostic tests, including molecular and serological tests [13]. However, these tests may not be widely available in all regions.

References: [1] Context 1 [2] Context 2 [4] Context 4 [8] Context 8 [9] Context 9

Treatment Options for Loiasis

Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, is a parasitic infection caused by the Loa loa worm. The treatment of loiasis involves the use of medications to eliminate the parasitic worms from the body.

• Diethylcarbamazine (DEC): DEC is the primary medication used for treating loiasis. It is the only drug that kills microfilariae and adult worms, making it an effective treatment option [1][3][10]. DEC is taken by mouth for 21 days, and treatment may need to be repeated to eliminate the infection [14].
• Ivermectin: Ivermectin is another deworming drug that can be used to treat loiasis. However, it carries a risk of brain inflammation (encephalopathy) in some individuals [5][7].
• Albendazole: Albendazole is an imidazole derivative with broad-spectrum anthelmintic activity. It has been shown to be of limited efficacy when used for short-course treatment regimens of less than 1 week [12]. However, it may be considered as a second-line treatment option or in combination with other medications.
• Apheresis: Apheresis is a medical procedure that involves the removal of microfilariae from the blood. This approach reduces the risk of serious side effects associated with DEC treatment [14].

It's essential to consult a healthcare provider or a tropical medicine expert to determine the best course of treatment for loiasis, as the choice of medication depends on the severity of the infection, symptoms experienced by the patient, and any underlying health conditions.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 6 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 11 [10] - Context result 10 [12] - Context result 12 [14] - Context result 14

Differential Diagnosis of Loiasis

Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other filarial infections. The differential diagnosis for loiasis includes:

• Onchocerciasis: Also known as river blindness, this is another filarial infection that causes skin and eye lesions.
• Lymphatic Filariasis: This infection affects the lymphatic system and can cause swelling in the legs and genital areas.
• Di rofilariasis: A parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis, which can affect the lungs, heart, or other organs.
• Thelaziasis: An infection caused by Thelazia eyeworms, which are similar to Loa loa but have a different life cycle.
• Gnathostomiasis: A parasitic infection caused by Gnathostoma worms, which can affect the skin and internal organs.

These conditions can present with similar symptoms to loiasis, such as:

• Skin lesions or swellings (Calabar swellings)
• Eye problems, including conjunctivitis or uveitis
• Eosinophilia (an increase in eosinophil white blood cells)
• Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)

To differentiate between these conditions, healthcare providers may use various diagnostic tests, such as:

• Blood smears to detect microfilariae
• Imaging studies, like X-rays or CT scans, to visualize the worms or affected tissues
• Biopsy of affected tissue to examine for worm presence or other signs of infection

Accurate diagnosis is crucial to provide appropriate treatment and prevent misdiagnosis. [4][7][11]