Loiasis

Abstract

The loiasis is produced by the nematode Loa loa, endemic in Central Africa and part of Western Africa. It is transmitted by species of Chrysops flies. One calculates between 3 and 13 million infected people. Although the mortality associated to the infection by Loa loa is low, produces an important morbidity and is frequent cause of medical consultation in the endemic zones. The most frequent manifestation is Calabar swellings, this edema is migratory, nonpainful, and is produced by the passage of filaria adult by the subcutaneous cellular weave. Another clinical manifestation is the passage of filaria adult by the conjunctive, being visible its displacement between conjunctive and the ocular sclera. The aetiology diagnosis settles down with the demonstration of microfilarias in peripheral blood, with diurnal regularity. The PCR and the serology are other diagnostic tools. The diagnosis differential of the microfilarias is due to do with the other sanguineous microfilarias and the Onchocerca volvulus that same times appear in blood of occasional form. At clinical level, Calabar swellings is due to differentiate from the produced one by other filariosis, gnathostomiasis or trichinosis. The treatment consists of the administration of Dietilcarbamacina. Knowing the geographic zones greater prevalence of Loa loa is useful when treatment the oncocercosis, since the ivermectina can produce serious undesirable effects to the patients who present high numbers of microfilarias of Loa loa in peripheral blood.