Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊɪˌasiz] (IPA) 
Loaiasis is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. The spelling of this word is based on how it is pronounced using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). In IPA, "L" is pronounced as "l", "o" is pronounced as "oʊ", "a" is pronounced as "eɪ", "i" is pronounced as "aɪ", "s" is pronounced as "s", and the ending "is" is pronounced as "iasɪs". Therefore, the phonetic transcription for Loaiasis is /loʊeɪaɪsɪs/.
Loaiasis, also known as African eye worm or Loa loa infection, is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode worm Loa loa. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected deer flies or mango flies, which serve as intermediate hosts for the parasite.
Once transmitted to a human host, the larvae of the Loa loa worm develop into adult worms that reside in the subcutaneous tissues and migrate throughout the person's body. The most common symptom of loaiasis is the presence of the adult worms visibly moving under the skin, particularly in the arms, legs, and face. This phenomenon is known as "Calabar swellings."
While loaiasis is generally not fatal, it can cause significant discomfort and disruption in affected individuals' daily lives. Other symptoms may include itching, joint pain, muscle pain, and fatigue. In some cases, severe complications such as encephalopathy or vision impairment may occur.
Diagnosis of loaiasis is primarily based on observing the clinical symptoms and, in some cases, through microscopic examination of blood samples to detect the presence of microfilariae, or baby worms, in the blood.
Treatment for loaiasis typically involves the administration of anti-parasitic drugs such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or ivermectin. However, caution must be exercised during treatment to avoid serious adverse effects, as high levels of microfilariae in the blood can lead to severe reactions.
Prevention and control measures for loaiasis include the use of protective clothing, the application of insect repellents, and avoiding known areas with high fly populations.
The word "Loaiasis" is derived from the Latin name for the parasite responsible for causing the disease, Loa loa. The genus name "Loa" comes from the local word in the Mboshi language of the Congo, "Nkélo" or "Loa", which means "worm". Thus, "Loaiasis" represents the disease caused by the Loa loa worm.
