Loa loa filariasis

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of Laaa fasis, an African eyeworm disease caused by the *Laloa* parasitic worm. It explores the disease's history, symptoms, and transmission cycle, highlighting its impact on skin and eyes, as well as the challenges it presents in diagnosing and treating the condition. The video discusses the role of deer flies in spreading the disease and covers preventive measures like wearing insect repellent and taking prophylactic medication. Despite the lack of a vaccine, the video emphasizes the importance of vigilance for travelers to endemic regions and medical management to reduce risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Laaa fasis is an African eyeworm disease caused by the parasitic worm, Laloa, which affects the skin and eyes of infected individuals.
• 😀 The disease is primarily transmitted by deer flies, which bite during the day and are most common in areas with ponds, marshes, and streams.
• 😀 Laaa fasis is mostly found in West and Central Africa, with an estimated 3 to 13 million people affected by the disease in these regions.
• 😀 The disease can be identified by symptoms like Calabar swelling, eye congestion, itching, and visible migration of worms under the skin.
• 😀 The life cycle involves both human and fly stages, where the parasite spreads from flies to humans and back through blood meals.
• 😀 Diagnosis involves blood tests, biopsies, and eye examinations, as microfilaria may not always be detectable in the blood.
• 😀 Surgical removal of the adult worms is a common treatment method, providing immediate relief but not a complete cure.
• 😀 Antiparasitic drugs like DEC and albendazole are used to treat the disease, though DEC carries a risk of brain inflammation.
• 😀 No vaccine is currently available, but DEC can be taken weekly by long-term travelers to prevent infection.
• 😀 Preventative measures include avoiding areas with high deer fly activity, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents.

Q & A

What is the main cause of LAAA Fasciitis?

LAAA Fasciitis is caused by a parasitic roundworm called Lloa, which belongs to the filarial nematode group. This worm is transmitted to humans through the bite of deer flies.

Which species of flies are responsible for transmitting LAAA Fasciitis?

Two species of deer flies from the genus Chrysops are responsible for transmitting LAAA Fasciitis. These flies are known to feed on blood and are most active during the day.

What are the common symptoms of LAAA Fasciitis?

Common symptoms include pain, itching, allergic reactions, Calabar swelling, and visible migration of the worms under the skin or to the eye. Other symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, and eye inflammation.

How is LAAA Fasciitis diagnosed?

LAAA Fasciitis can be diagnosed through blood tests to detect microfilaria, subcutaneous biopsies, eye examinations for migrating worms, or immune assays to identify antibodies against the parasite.

What is Calabar swelling and how does it relate to LAAA Fasciitis?

Calabar swelling is a common symptom of LAAA Fasciitis, which occurs when adult worms migrate and stop moving in the subcutaneous tissue. This causes swelling, itching, and allergic reactions around the affected area.

What is the treatment for LAAA Fasciitis?

Treatment includes surgical removal of adult worms from under the skin or eyes, along with antiparasitic drugs such as DEC and albendazole. DEC kills larvae and adults, while albendazole targets adult worms.

Why is DEC treatment associated with a higher risk of fatal brain inflammation?

DEC treatment can cause fatal brain inflammation due to a reaction to the dying worms. This risk can be mitigated through proper medical supervision and evaluation of the patient's health status before starting DEC treatment.

Are there any preventive measures for LAAA Fasciitis?

Preventive measures include avoiding areas where deer flies breed, such as muddy shaded areas near rivers and wood fires. Travelers to affected areas can take 30 mg of DEC weekly as a protective measure, and wearing insect repellent and protective clothing can reduce the risk of bites.

In which geographical regions is LAAA Fasciitis commonly found?

LAAA Fasciitis is mostly found in West and Central Africa, particularly in rainforest and swamp regions, stretching from southeastern Benin to southern Sudan and Uganda, and extending from about 10° North to Angola.

Who is most at risk for contracting LAAA Fasciitis?

People living in or traveling to endemic areas for extended periods are at higher risk, especially if they are exposed to areas with high numbers of deer flies. The risk also increases based on the abundance of flies and the frequency of bites.