Pronunciation: [ˈɒnkə͡ʊsəkə] (IPA) 
The word "Oncocerca" is spelled as [ɑ̃nkɔsɛrka]. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the word begins with a nasal vowel followed by a nasal consonant. The "k" represents a voiceless velar stop, and the "s" represents a voiceless alveolar fricative. The "e" represents a mid front unrounded vowel, and the final "a" represents a mid central vowel. Overall, the spelling of "Oncocerca" accurately reflects its pronunciation in IPA.
Oncocerca is a genus of parasitic filarial worms belonging to the family Onchocercidae. These worms are commonly known as the causative agents of onchocerciasis, also called river blindness.
Onchocerca worms have a characteristic life cycle that involves both humans and black flies of the genus Simulium. The adult female worms reside in subcutaneous tissues, typically in the lower regions of the body, and release thousands of microfilariae, tiny larvae, into the bloodstream. When infected black flies take a blood meal, they ingest these microfilariae. Inside the fly, the larvae develop and mature into infective stage larvae. Upon subsequent bites, the infective larvae are deposited onto the skin of a new host, continuing the transmission cycle.
In humans, the presence of onchocerca larvae can lead to severe dermatological and ophthalmological symptoms. The larvae cause intense itching, skin lesions, and can induce a chronic inflammatory response. Ocular involvement can lead to visual impairment and potential blindness.
Efforts to control onchocerciasis have been focused on interrupting transmission through mass administration of the drug ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae and reduces transmission. This approach, along with vector control measures, has been successful in many endemic areas in reducing the burden of the disease.
In conclusion, Oncocerca is a genus of parasitic filarial worms responsible for causing onchocerciasis, a debilitating disease with dermatological and ophthalmological manifestations.
A genus of worms of the family Filariidce.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Oncocerca" is derived from Greek roots. "Onco" comes from the Greek word "onkos" meaning "swelling" or "mass". On the other hand, "cerca" originates from the Greek word "kerkos" meaning "tail" or "worm". Therefore, "Oncocerca" essentially means "swelling tail" or "worm causing swelling". It is a genus of parasitic worms that belong to the family Onchocercidae. These worms can cause a disease called onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.
