Onchocerca volvulus

Definition

Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic worm that causes onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blackfly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Onchocerca volvulus primarily infects subcutaneous tissues and eyes, leading to severe itching and visual impairment.
2. The lifecycle of Onchocerca volvulus includes both human hosts and blackfly vectors from the Simuliidae family.
3. Ivermectin is the primary drug used to treat onchocerciasis by killing the microfilariae produced by adult worms.
4. Wolbachia bacteria living symbiotically within Onchocerca volvulus are targeted by doxycycline treatment, which indirectly harms the worm.
5. Annual or biannual mass drug administration programs are crucial in controlling and eliminating onchocerciasis in endemic regions.

Review Questions

• What is the primary vector for Onchocerca volvulus?
• Which antimicrobial drug is most commonly used to treat onchocerciasis?
• How do Wolbachia bacteria influence the treatment strategy for Onchocerca volvulus?

Related terms

Ivermectin: An antiparasitic medication used to treat infections caused by various parasites, including Onchocerca volvulus.

Wolbachia: A genus of intracellular bacteria that live symbiotically within many insect species and some nematodes, including Onchocerca volvulus.

Simuliidae: A family of blackflies that serve as vectors for transmitting Onchocerca volvulus to humans.