Onchocerca volvulus
Onchocerca volvulus (pronounced: on-ko-ser-ka vol-vu-lus) is a parasitic worm that causes Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. It is a species of nematode, specifically a filarial worm, and is endemic in many regions of Africa, Central and South America, and Yemen.
Etymology
The term Onchocerca is derived from the Greek words "onkos" meaning hook and "kerkos" meaning tail, referring to the curved tail of the male worm. Volvulus comes from the Latin word "volvere", meaning to roll, referring to the coiled shape of the adult worm.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Onchocerca volvulus involves two hosts: humans and blackflies of the genus Simulium. The adult worms live in nodules in the human host's skin and produce microfilariae, which migrate to the skin and eyes. When a blackfly bites an infected person, it ingests the microfilariae, which then develop into infective larvae in the fly. These larvae are transmitted to a new human host when the fly takes another blood meal.
Symptoms and Treatment
Infection with Onchocerca volvulus can cause a range of symptoms, including severe itching, skin lesions, and blindness. The disease is treated with the drug Ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae but not the adult worms.
Prevention and Control
Prevention and control of onchocerciasis primarily involves mass drug administration of ivermectin and vector control to reduce the population of blackflies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Onchocerca volvulus
- Wikipedia's article - Onchocerca volvulus
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