Loa Loa

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

Loa loa: nematode parasite, sometimes called the "eye worm."
- One of three parasites causing human subcutaneous filariasis, the other two: Onchocerca volvulus, Mansonella streptocerca.
  - Human infection w/ loa loa = loiasis
- Larvae and adults migrate to SQ skin and fat layers. See CDC life cycle.
Vector is the tabanid files, genus Chrysops (mango or mangrove fly), C. silacea and C. dimidiata (daytime biting horsefly, deerfly).

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