General Information
Where is the Loa Loa Worm found?
Africa
What bug carries the African Eye Worm?
The Chrysops, or African Deer Fly
What is the name of the disease characterized by the infestation of the Loa Loa parasite?
Loasis
True or False: Preventing loasis is nearly impossible and expensive.
False
What do you call an animal that is infected with a disease-causing organism?
Host
What does Loa Loa mean in English?
"Worm Worm"
What is a tiny, or immature, Loa Loa worm called?
Microfilariae
What are some symptoms of Loasis?
- worm seen crawling in the conjunctiva of the eye or under the skin
- fatigue
- sore joints and/or muscles
- itchiness all over the body
What is the active ingredient in bug spray that makes it hard for bugs to smell humans?
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide)
What type of parasite is one-celled?
Protozoa
What is another name for the Loa Loa Parasite?
African Eye Worm
How does the Microfilariae of the Loa Loa parasite get into a host?
Through the bite of the Chrysops.
What is the amount of microfilariae in the blood that indicates an unsafe state in which to administer an antiparasitic medication?
above 8,000
What are two ways that one could prevent a bite from a Loa Loa-carrying Chrysops?
- wear layers that cover the skin
- Use bug spray
In what part of the body do most parasites live?
The intestines
Where is the parasite most likely to be found: A jungle in Africa or a city in Africa?
Where do the immature Loa Loa Worms travel to mature?
Organs of the body like the lungs, eyes, or other areas of skin.
How does a doctor determine the amount of microfilariae in a patient?
With a blood test
What medication makes the body inhabitable for the Loa Loa Worm?
diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
What parasite is an amoeba and affects the intestines?
Amoebasis
What part of Africa has the largest population of the Loa Loa Worm?
West and Central Africa
What are two characteristics of a mature Loa Loa parasite?
1= they are double in length (30-70 mm)
2= they are ready to produce more microfilariae.
What are the names of the two most common antiparasitic medicines used to treat Loasis?
ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine
What is the typical diethylcarbamazine (DEC) dosage that a patient should take a week to prevent loasis?
300 mg
What is the name of the disease caused by the bird and cat parasite, which about 50% of humans are immune to?
toxoplasmosis