Mansonella streptocerca
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Epidemiology
- tropical forests of west & central Africa
- transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides)
Pathology
- adults & microfilaria found in skin
- no periodicity of infection
Clinical manifestations
- major clinical manifestations involve the skin
- inguinal adenopathy
- most individuals are asymptomatic
Laboratory
- detection of microfilariae in skin snips (diagnostic)
- no sheath present
Management
- diethylcarbamazine (DEC) 6 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 14-21 days
- effective against both the adult worm & microfilaria
- allergic or inflammatory reactions may take place during treatment including: urticaria, arthralgias, myalgias, headaches & abdominal discomfort