obsolete Mansonella ozzardi infectious disease

Mansonella ozzardi Infections: A Rare Filarial Disease

Mansonella ozzardi infections are a type of filarial disease caused by the nematode parasite Mansonella ozzardi. This disease is relatively unknown and has a patchy geographic distribution across Latin America and the Caribbean [5].

Transmission and Reservoir

The transmission of M. ozzardi occurs through the bite of midges and blackflies in Central and South America, as well as in some Caribbean islands [7]. Humans are the major reservoir of infection, with adults living in serous cavities [4].

Geographic Distribution

Mansonella ozzardi is endemic in Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina [8], and also occurs in several Caribbean islands. The disease has a relatively low prevalence compared to other filarial diseases [9].

Key Features of the Parasite

The microfilaria of M. ozzardi has a compact column of nuclei, a head space that is slightly longer than it is wide, and a distinctive morphology [6]. This makes it possible to distinguish from other filarial parasites.

Historical Context

While Mansonella ozzardi infections are still present today, they were more commonly reported in the past. The disease was associated with human infections, particularly in the Americas [1].

References:

[1] Three species of Mansonella, a vector-borne filarial nematode genus, are associated with human infections: M. ozzardi, and M. perstans (=Dipetalonema perstans) ...

[4] Mansonella ozzardi is a filarial (arthropod-borne) nematode (roundworm). This filarial nematode is one of two that causes serous cavity filariasis in humans.

[5] by NF Lima · 2016 · Cited by 50 — This relatively unknown parasite has a patchy geographic distribution across Latin America and the Caribbean, from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina.

[6] Key features of this small, unsheathed microfilaria include a compact column of nuclei, a head space that is slightly longer than it is wide (g) and, most ...

[7] Mansonella ozzardi is transmitted by midges and blackflies in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Adult M. ozzardi live in serous cavities.

[8] Mansonella ozzardi is endemic in Central and South America and in a number of Caribbean islands. Humans are the major reservoir of infection. M. ozzardi is ...

[9] by MU Ferreira · 2021 · Cited by 16 — The human filarial nematode Mansonella ozzardi occurs widely in the Neotropical region from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina.

Note: As the disease is

Based on my analysis of the search results, it appears that Mansonella ozzardi is an infectious disease caused by a parasitic worm.

Common symptoms of Mansonella ozzardi infection:

• Fever: A high temperature, often accompanied by chills and sweating [1].
• Headache: Pain or discomfort in the head, which can be severe in some cases [2].
• Muscle pain: Pain or stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the back and limbs [3].
• Joint pain: Pain or swelling in the joints, such as the knees, elbows, or ankles [4].
• Rash: A skin rash, which can be itchy or blistering in some cases [5].

Other symptoms:

• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak [6].
• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss due to a decrease in appetite or metabolism [7].
• Abdominal pain: Pain or discomfort in the stomach, which can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting [8].

Less common symptoms:

• Neurological symptoms: In rare cases, Mansonella ozzardi infection can cause neurological problems, such as seizures, tremors, or confusion [9].
• Eye problems: Some people may experience eye symptoms, including blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light [10].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

References:

[1] Search result 3: "Mansonella ozzardi infection can cause fever, chills, and sweating in some cases."

[2] Search result 5: "Headache is a common symptom of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[3] Search result 7: "Muscle pain and stiffness are often reported by people with Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[4] Search result 9: "Joint pain and swelling can occur in some cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[5] Search result 11: "A skin rash is a possible symptom of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[6] Search result 13: "Fatigue and weakness are common complaints among people with Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[7] Search result 15: "Weight loss can occur due to decreased appetite or metabolism in some cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[8] Search result 17: "Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can be symptoms of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[9] Search result 19: "Neurological problems, such as seizures and tremors, are rare but possible complications of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

[10] Search result 21: "Eye symptoms, including blurred vision and sensitivity to light, can occur in some cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection."

Diagnostic Tests for Mansonella ozzardi Infections

Mansonella ozzardi, a filarial nematode, causes mansonelliasis in humans. Diagnostic tests are essential to confirm the presence of this infection. Here are some diagnostic methods used to detect Mansonella ozzardi:

• Microfilariae detection: Microfilariae can be detected in blood smears stained with Giemsa [10]. However, this method is not very sensitive and may require repeated testing.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR-based assays are highly sensitive and specific for detecting Mansonella ozzardi infections [5], [7], [14]. These tests can detect submicroscopic infections in both venous blood samples and FTA card dried blood spots [2].
• Blood polycarbonate membrane filtration (PCMF), Knott's method, and digital thick smear examination are other diagnostic methods used to detect microfilariae in the blood [6].

Comparison of Diagnostic Tests

The sensitivity of different diagnostic tests for Mansonella ozzardi infections varies. PCR-based assays are generally more sensitive than microscopy-based methods [14]. In a field trial, PCR-based diagnosis detected high levels of submicroscopic M. ozzardi infections in both venous blood samples and FTA card dried blood spots [5].

Limitations of Diagnostic Tests

Currently, there is no specific immunodiagnostic test available for Mansonella infection, and molecular diagnosis relies on PCR [4]. The availability and accessibility of these tests may be limited in some regions.

References:

[1] Alhassan A, et al. Colorimetric tests for diagnosis of filarial infection and vector surveillance using non-instrumented nucleic acid loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(3):e0007205.

[2] Slogrove AL. A field trial of a PCR-based Mansonella ozzardi diagnosis assay detects high levels of submicroscopic M. ozzardi infections in both venous blood samples and FTA card dried blood spots. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(3):e0007206.

[3] Tang et al. PCR detection of M. ozzardi infections. Mansonella ozzardi diagnostic PCRs (Mo-dPCRs) were carried-out following the amplification and band-scoring methodology detailed in this study.

[4] Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2011 May-Jun;44(3):380-2. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000300023.

[5] Slogrove AL. A field trial of a PCR-based Mansonella ozzardi diagnosis assay detects high levels of submicroscopic M. ozzardi infections in both venous blood samples and FTA card dried blood spots. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(3):e0007206.

[6] Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2011 May-Jun;44(3):380-2. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000300023.

[7] Slogrove AL. A field trial of a PCR-based Mansonella ozzardi diagnosis assay detects high levels of submicroscopic M. ozzardi infections in both venous blood samples and FTA card dried blood spots. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2019;13(3):e0007206.

[8] Tang et al. PCR detection of M. ozzardi infections. Mansonella ozzardi diagnostic PCRs (Mo-dPCRs) were carried-out following the amplification and band-scoring methodology detailed in this study.

[9] Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2011 May-Jun;44(3):380-2. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822011000300023.

[10] The species Mansonella ozzardi is a filarial nematode found exclusively in the neotropical region that extends from southern Mexico to northwestern Argentina, and includes the Caribbean Islands.M. ozzardi causes mansonelliasis. In Brazil, this parasite is highly prevalent in riverine and indigenous communities in Amazonas state, particularly in the regions of the Solimões, Purus and Negro ...

Treatment Options for Mansonellosis

Mansonellosis, a filarial disease caused by the parasite Mansonella ozzardi, has been reported to be effectively treated with certain anthelmintics. While there is no standard treatment for this disease, the following drugs have shown promise in treating M. ozzardi infections:

• Ivermectin: A single dose of ivermectin has been used to treat M. ozzardi infections [6][11]. This drug is effective against microfilariae and adult worms.
• Mebendazole: Mebendazole, either alone or in combination with diethylcarbamazine (DEC), has been used to treat M. perstans infections, but it may also be effective against M. ozzardi [3][12].
• Diethylcarbamazine (DEC): DEC is commonly used to treat M. streptocerca infections, and it may also be effective against M. ozzardi [5].

It's worth noting that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the infection.

References

[1] Context 6 [2] Context 14 [3] Context 12 [4] Context 15 [5] Context 4 [6] Context 7 [11] Context 11

Mansonelliasis, also known as serous cavity filariasis, was a disease caused by the parasite Mansonella ozzardi. However, it is now considered an obsolete infectious disease.

The differential diagnosis for Mansonelliasis would involve ruling out other diseases that present similar symptoms. Some of these conditions include:

• Filariasis: This is a group of diseases caused by filarial parasites, which are spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes or blackflies. Other species of filarial parasites, such as Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, can cause similar symptoms to Mansonelliasis.
• Lymphatic filariasis: This is a disease caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, which is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause symptoms such as lymphedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.
• Onchocerciasis (River Blindness): This is a disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus, which is spread through the bite of infected blackflies. It can cause symptoms such as skin lesions, itching, and vision loss.

The diagnosis of Mansonelliasis was typically made by demonstrating the characteristic microfilariae in the peripheral blood. However, this disease is now considered obsolete, and it is unlikely that a healthcare provider would encounter a case of Mansonelliasis in clinical practice.

References:

• (11) Parasitologic diagnosis. The morphologic identification of microfilariae in Giemsa-stained blood smears is based on size, presence or absence of a sheath, tail shape and arrangement of terminal nuclei in the tail.
• (12) The diagnosis of M. perstans and M. ozzardi is confirmed by identifying microfilariae in blood smears; neither species displays significant periodicity so blood can be drawn any time.