onchocerciasis /on·cho·cer·ci·a·sis/ (-ser-ki´ah-sis) infection by nematodes of the genus Onchocerca. Parasites invade the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and other parts of the body, producing fibrous nodules; blindness occurs after ocular invasion.
Onchocerciasis
onchocerciasis
on·cho·cer·ci·a·sis ( ng k -s r-k  -s s) or on·cho·cer·co·sis (-sr-kss)n. A disease occurring in tropical Africa and Central America, transmitted by black flies and caused by infestation with filariform nematodes of the genus Onchocerca, especially O. volvulus, and characterized by nodular swellings on the skin and lesions of the eyes. Also called river blindness, volvulosis. |
Onchocerciasis
Parasitic infestation caused by filamentous worms of the genus Onchocerca, especially O. volvulus, that is found in tropical America and is transmitted by several types of blackflies.
Mentioned in: Antihelminthic Drugs
onchocerciasis
[ong′kōsərkī′əsis, sī′əsis]
Etymology: Gk, onkos, swelling, kerkos, tail, osis, condition
a form of filariasis common in Central and South America and Africa, characterized by subcutaneous nodules, pruritic rash, and eye lesions. It is transmitted by the bites of black flies that deposit Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae under the skin. The microfilariae migrate to the subcutaneous tissue and eyes, and fibrous nodules form around the developing adult worms. Hypersensitive reactions to the dying microfilariae include extreme pruritus, a cellulitis-like rash, lichenification, depigmentation, and rarely, elephantiasis. Involvement of the eye may include keratitis, iridocyclitis, and rarely, blindness from choroidoretinitis. Diagnosis is made by demonstrating microfilariae by skin biopsy or in the eye by slit lamp. Treatment is diethylcarbamazine for the microfilariae and surgical excision of nodules to remove adult worms. Protective clothing and control of black flies with DDT are the best preventives. Ivermectin is used to treat this condition. Also called river blindness.
onchocerciasis
infestation by the filarioid worm Onchocerca spp.; can cause a variety of diseases listed generally under the heading of onchocercosis.
onchocerciasis
A disease caused by infestation with the filarial worm (Onchocerca volvulus) spread by blackflies. It is common in tropical Africa and Central America, especially in areas near rivers. Large numbers of microfilariae are present on the skin and often enter the eye. The patient initially complains of itching, but blindness occurs as a result of chorioretinitis and optic neuritis. The disease is treated successfully with ivermectin. Syn. onchocercosis; river blindness.
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