How Do You Spell FILARIA LOA?

1. Filaria loa, also known as Loa loa, is a parasitic worm that belongs to the family Onchocercidae. It is commonly known as the African eye worm due to its unique characteristic of migrating in and around the subcutaneous tissues, including the conjunctiva of the eye.

   Filaria loa is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer flies of the genus Chrysops. Once inside the human host, the parasite matures and releases microfilariae into the bloodstream. These microfilariae can circulate throughout the body, and their presence in the skin and eyes can cause various symptoms in infected individuals.

   The most notable feature associated with Filaria loa infection is the manifestation of localized swellings called Calabar swellings. These swellings occur in response to the movement of adult worms beneath the skin and are often accompanied by itching, pain, and inflammation. In severe cases, the worms can enter the eye, leading to visual disturbances and occasionally migrating across the conjunctiva.

   Diagnosis of Filaria loa is typically achieved through the identification of microfilariae in a blood sample. Treatment usually involves the administration of antiparasitic medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or ivermectin. In some cases, surgical removal of adult worms may be necessary.

   Prevention of Filaria loa infection involves avoiding exposure to infected vectors, such as by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and utilizing bed nets. Additionally, public health initiatives focusing on vector control and community education are fundamental in reducing the transmission of this parasitic disease.

2. Dracunculus oculi, a species inhabiting the subconjunctival connective tissue.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for FILARIA LOA

The word "Filaria loa" is composed of two parts: "Filaria" and "loa".

- "Filaria" is derived from the Latin word "filaris", meaning "thread-like". It refers to a genus of thread-like parasitic worms that belong to the phylum Nematoda.

- "Loa" originates from Loa, a region in central Africa, particularly associated with the Loa River. This name is linked to the Loa people or Lwa people, an ethnic group from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Filaria loa parasite was named after this region because it is commonly found there.

Therefore, the etymology of "Filaria loa" combines the descriptive term "filaria" with the geographical term "Loa" to designate a specific species of thread-like worm found in the region of Loa.

Similar spelling words for FILARIA LOA