Definition:
Onchocerciasis is an infectious condition in which slender threadlike roundworms invade and are deposited under the skin or in some cases, the eyes.
Treatment:
Patients with Onchocerciasis are primarily treated with the drug called ivermectin, once every twelve months. To achieve best results, people in villages with infected persons are treated at the same time. The drug prevents adult worms from producing offsprings, thus preventing the spread and transmission of the condition. A drug called Doxycycline may also be added to the regimen.
Symptoms and Signs:
Persons infected with the parasite may experience itching, swelling, and inflammation of the skin. Skin infections due to the parasite are graded and categorized based on its degree of skin involvement. Infection of the eyes can result in the occurence of punctate keratitis in the infected area, which clears up when the inflammation lessens. but if it is chronic, sclerosing keratitis occurs, which makes the affected area turn opaque and may result in blindness.
Causes:
Onchocerciasis is caused by the parasite of an adult Black Fly transmitted through its bite. The parasite, called Onchocerca volvulus invades the skin or the eyes causing the infection.
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