Onchocerciasis

Definition

Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blackfly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ivermectin is the primary drug used to treat onchocerciasis by killing the microfilariae and stopping their release.
2. Onchocerciasis can cause severe itching, skin nodules, and vision impairment including blindness.
3. The lifecycle of Onchocerca volvulus involves both human hosts and blackfly vectors.
4. Antimicrobial treatment focuses on both killing the parasite directly and managing symptoms caused by inflammation.
5. Doxycycline can be used as an alternative treatment; it targets Wolbachia bacteria which are symbiotic with Onchocerca volvulus.

Review Questions

• What is the primary drug used to treat onchocerciasis?
• Which organism transmits Onchocerca volvulus to humans?
• How does doxycycline work as a treatment for onchocerciasis?

Related terms

Ivermectin:

An antiparasitic drug commonly used to treat infections caused by roundworms, including onchocerciasis.

Filarial Worms:

A group of nematodes that cause various diseases in humans, including lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.

Blackfly: A type of fly from the Simuliidae family that acts as a vector for transmitting Onchocerca volvulus.