Loiasis

Description

A disease caused by an infection with the parasitic worm Loa loa. This disease is characterised by Calabar swellings found anywhere on the body (commonly found near joints). This disease may also present with generalised itching, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue or may be asymptomatic. Transmission is through the bite of an infected fly (genus Chrysops). Confirmation is by identification of adult Loa loa in the skin or eye, Loa loa microfilariae in a blood sample obtained in the day (1000 - 1400), or detection of antibodies against Loa loa in a blood sample.

Inclusions

• Calabar swelling
• Eye worm disease of Africa
• Loa loa infestation

Exclusions from above levels

• 1F6A – Onchocerciasis
• NE83.1 – Infection arising from device, implant or graft, not elsewhere classified