riv·er blindness (r v  r)n. See onchocerciasis. |
river blindness.
See onchocerciasis.
river blindness
infection with onchocercavolvulus.
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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