Pronunciation: [lˈɔ͡ɪəsˌiz] (IPA) 
Loiasis is a word that is commonly misspelled due to its unusual combination of letters. The correct pronunciation of the word is /loʊˈaɪəsɪs/, which is a parasitic disease caused by Loa loa worm. The spelling of the word can be broken down phonetically as "low" + "eye" + "uh" + "sis". It is important to spell this word correctly in medical contexts to ensure proper communication and understanding of the disease.
Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, is a parasitic disease caused by infection with the nematode worm Loa loa. The disease is prevalent in parts of Africa, particularly in rainforest regions where specific types of biting flies which serve as vectors for the parasite are found.
Loiasis is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of infected flies of the Chrysops species. Upon entering the human body, the larvae of the Loa loa worm mature and migrate through the subcutaneous tissues. As the larvae grow, adult worms can reach lengths of up to several centimeters. The most distinctive symptom of this condition is the presence of visible worms, particularly in the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye) which can cause localized inflammation and lead to the term "African eye worm".
Common symptoms of loiasis include itching and intermittent swelling of the skin, referred to as Calabar swellings, which can occur on various parts of the body. These swellings can be painful and may be accompanied by fever, joint pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause more serious neurological symptoms.
The diagnosis of loiasis is usually made by identifying adult worms in the skin or through the detection of microfilariae (the larval stage of the worm) in the blood. Treatment typically involves the administration of medication, such as diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin, which helps eliminate the parasites from the body.
The word "Loiasis" has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "loias", which means "worm" or "thread". The suffix "-iasis" is used in medical terminology to denote a disease caused by a particular organism or condition. Therefore, "Loiasis" refers to a parasitic disease caused by the nematode worm known as Loa loa.
