Mansonelliasis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Mansonelliasis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, but can include itching, joint pain, fever, and swelling
Complications	Lymphedema, skin rash, eye disease
Onset	Variable
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection with Mansonella species (Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi, Mansonella streptocerca)
Risks	Living in or traveling to endemic areas (Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Caribbean)
Diagnosis	Blood smear, PCR testing
Differential diagnosis	Filariasis, Onchocerciasis, Loiasis
Prevention	Avoiding bites from infected midges and blackflies
Treatment	Ivermectin, Albendazole
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in endemic regions
Deaths	Rare

Endemic areas of Mansonelliasis

Mansonelliasis is a disease caused by the parasite Mansonella. It is transmitted through the bite of a midge, specifically the Culicoides species. The disease is prevalent in Africa, Central America, and South America, affecting millions of people.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Mansonelliasis are often mild and can include fever, headache, joint pain, and skin rash. In some cases, the disease can cause more serious complications such as eye disease and meningitis.

Transmission

Mansonelliasis is transmitted through the bite of a midge, specifically the Culicoides species. The midge becomes infected with the parasite when it feeds on an infected person. The parasite then develops in the midge's body before being transmitted to another person through a bite.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Mansonelliasis is typically made through a blood test. The test looks for the presence of the parasite in the blood. In some cases, a skin biopsy may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatment for Mansonelliasis typically involves antiparasitic drugs. These drugs work by killing the parasite. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the parasite.

Prevention

Prevention of Mansonelliasis primarily involves avoiding bites from midges. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

See also

• Parasitic diseases
• Tropical diseases
• Neglected tropical diseases