Loiasis is otherwise known as loa loa disease. 1)
Infection occurs through the bite of two types of flies: Chrysops silacea and Chrysops dimidiata. The parasites enter the human bloodstream to then begin the process of feeding on the human body. 2)
Chrysops silacea and Chrysops dimidiata larvae can move throughout the body, manifesting themselves as a variety of cysts on the body. 3)
Loiasis, an infestation of the Loa loa parasite, is found in Central and West Africa, in the rainforest zone. 4)
The typical symptom of Loa loa infection is the so-called Calabar swelling. This is a limited, usually, non-painful angioedema, accompanied by itching and erythematous changes. This swelling lasts from a few days to several or even several weeks, resolving spontaneously, but recurrences do occur. Visible to the naked eye, subconjunctival migration of the parasite causes swelling of the eyelid and intense inflammation of the conjunctiva of the affected eye. 5)
Complications of loiasis can include meningitis and encephalitis, kidney damage with proteinuria and hematuria, and endocardial and myocardial fibrosis. 6)
Fighting the loa loa disease requires surgical removal of nematodes from the patient's body. 7)
As long as the loa loa matures, left just under the skin, patients complain of itching, burning, and swelling. 8)