Loa Loa Filariasis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Manoj Kumar D , General Surgeons

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Loa Loa Filariasis, also known as loiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the worm Loa loa and transmitted through the bites of infected deer flies. The parasite can migrate through the skin and tissues, causing swelling, itching, and eye-related symptoms when it passes across the surface of the eye. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.

What are the Types Of Loa Loa Filariasis?

Loa loa filariasis can be classified into two main types based on the symptoms it causes. The first type is asymptomatic, where the infected person may not show any signs.

The second type is symptomatic, where individuals may experience itching, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. Seek medical attention if you suspect you have Loa loa filariasis.

Calabar swellings are a distinct manifestation of Loa loa filariasis characterized by localized, non-pitting edema that typically lasts for a few days to weeks before resolving spontaneously.
Subconjunctival migration of adult Loa loa worms can cause eye symptoms such as redness, itching, and foreign body sensation, known as ocular loiasis, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Neurologic complications of Loa loa filariasis, including encephalitis and meningoencephalitis, may arise as a result of the migration of the parasite into the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as headaches, altered mental status, and seizures.

What Are the Symptoms of Loa Loa Filariasis

Loa Loa filariasis symptoms include itching, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. Patients may experience migrating swellings under the skin, known as Calabar swellings. In severe cases, the infection can lead to vision problems, fatigue, and joint pain. If you have traveled to endemic regions and experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Swelling or lumps under the skin that move around and can be painful to touch.
Itchy skin rashes that come and go, especially in the arms, legs, and face.
Unexplained fatigue or weakness that doesn't improve with rest or sleep.
Redness and irritation in the eyes, sometimes causing vision problems.
A feeling of something moving or crawling under the skin, often accompanied by a tingling sensation.

What are the Causes of Loa Loa Filariasis?

These flies deposit the larvae into the skin, where they develop into adult worms that migrate through the body. The movement of adult worms under the skin and in the eyes can lead to symptoms of the disease.

Loa loa filariasis is caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected deer flies or mango flies.
Traveling to regions in Central and West Africa where Loa loa is endemic increases the risk of contracting the disease.
Individuals who spend significant time outdoors in forested areas are more likely to be exposed to the vectors carrying the Loa loa parasite.
Inadequate sanitation and poor waste management practices in endemic regions can contribute to the spread of Loa loa filariasis.
Lack of preventive measures, such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, can also lead to infection and increase the risk of Loa loa filariasis.

When to See a Doctor for Loa Loa Filariasis?

Unexplained recurrent swelling, itching, eye symptoms, or a history of travel to endemic African regions should be evaluated by an Infectious Disease Specialist or General Surgeons. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.

You should see a doctor if you have:

Recurrent painless swellings under the skin
Persistent itching without a clear cause
Eye discomfort after travel to endemic regions

Seek prompt medical attention if:

A worm is visible crossing the eye
Vision changes develop
Severe allergic or neurological symptoms occur

These could indicate significant Loa Loa infection requiring specialized treatment.

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How is Loa Loa Filariasis Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may also ask about your symptoms and travel history to help make an accurate diagnosis. Early detection can help in managing the condition effectively.

Microscopic examination of blood samples is a common diagnostic method for Loa loa filariasis, where healthcare providers look for the presence of microfilariae in the blood.
Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can detect antibodies specific to Loa loa filariasis in the blood, aiding in the diagnosis of the infection.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is a molecular diagnostic technique that can amplify and detect the DNA of Loa loa parasites in blood samples, providing a highly sensitive method for diagnosis.
Skin biopsy can be performed to identify the presence of adult worms or microfilariae in the subcutaneous tissues.

What are the Treatment for Loa Loa Filariasis?

Treatment for Loa Loa filariasis typically involves medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or albendazole to kill the worms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove adult worms from the eye or under the skin.

It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) are often prescribed to kill the adult worms responsible for Loa Loa Filariasis, helping to reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.
Surgical removal of adult worms may be necessary in severe cases where the parasites have migrated to the eye or other sensitive areas of the body.
In some instances, corticosteroids are used to manage the inflammatory response triggered by the presence of the parasites, helping to alleviate symptoms such as itching and swelling.
Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare providers are crucial for individuals with Loa Loa Filariasis to track the progression of the infection and ensure timely intervention if needed.

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What are the Risk Factors for Loa Loa Filariasis?

Risk factors for Loa Loa filariasis include living in or traveling to regions where the disease is endemic, such as Central and West Africa.

Additionally, activities that increase exposure to infected deer flies, such as working or camping in forested areas, can also increase the risk of contracting the disease.

Living or traveling in regions of Central and West Africa where Loa loa filariasis is endemic increases the risk of infection.
Spending extended periods of time in forests or areas with dense vegetation where Chrysops flies, the vectors of Loa loa parasites, are prevalent, can raise the likelihood of contracting the disease.
Engaging in outdoor activities such as farming, hunting, or camping that expose individuals to insect bites heightens the risk of Loa loa filariasis transmission.
Having a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications may increase susceptibility to severe manifestations of Loa loa infection.

What is the Recovery Process for Loa Loa Filariasis?

Most individuals recover well with appropriate treatment, although symptoms may take time to resolve completely. Recovery depends on the parasite burden, duration of infection, and response to therapy.

Follow-up care is important to ensure parasite clearance and monitor for treatment-related complications.

Recovery Includes

Regular follow-up blood tests
Monitoring for recurrence of symptoms
Management of residual inflammation
Prevention of future insect bites
Long-term surveillance in severe infections

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Loa Loa Filariasis affect the eyes?

Yes, adult worms can migrate across the surface of the eye, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort. This is one of the most recognizable signs of the infection.

2. How is Loa Loa Filariasis treated?

Treatment usually involves antiparasitic medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC). In some cases, additional treatments or careful monitoring may be required.

3. Is Loa Loa Filariasis contagious?

No, the infection does not spread directly from person to person. Transmission occurs through the bite of infected deer flies.

4. Who is at risk of developing Loa Loa Filariasis?

People living in or traveling to forested regions of Central and West Africa where infected deer flies are present are at the highest risk.

5. Can Loa Loa Filariasis be prevented?

Prevention includes avoiding deer fly bites by using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and reducing exposure in endemic areas.

6. What complications can occur with Loa Loa Filariasis?

Complications may include recurrent swelling, eye discomfort, kidney involvement, and neurological problems in rare cases, especially when parasite levels are very high.