LOA LOA Meaning and
Definition
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Loa loa, also known as the African eye worm, is a parasitic filarial nematode that infects humans. It is primarily found in Central and West Africa, particularly in regions with dense rainforests. The name "loa loa" is derived from the phrase "look, look," which describes the movement of the adult worms under the skin, resulting in visible swelling or "calabar swellings."
The life cycle of Loa loa involves adult female worms residing in the subcutaneous tissue of infected individuals, where they release microfilariae, the infective larvae, into the bloodstream. These microfilariae circulate throughout the body, often causing no symptoms or minor discomfort. However, when biting flies (such as Chrysops spp.) feed on an infected person, they ingest the microfilariae, allowing them to develop further within the fly.
Once inside the fly, the microfilariae mature into infective larvae. When the infected fly subsequently bites another human, the larvae are deposited onto the skin and penetrate into the subcutaneous tissues. This cycle perpetuates the infection and contributes to the spread of Loa loa.
Symptoms of loiasis, the disease caused by Loa loa infection, may include itching, allergic reactions, and swelling of the skin as the adult worms migrate under the epidermis. In rare cases, migration into the eye can occur, causing eye pain and disturbances in vision. However, Loa loa infections are often asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic.
The diagnosis of loiasis is usually made by microscopically examining a blood sample for the presence of microfilariae. Treatment typically involves the administration of medications such as diethylcarbamazine to eliminate the adult
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A species of filaria, F. loa, F. oculi, which invades the conjunctiva and the superficial connective tissue generally through out the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LOA LOA
- koa loa
- poa loa
- ooa loa
- lia loa
- lka loa
- lla loa
- lpa loa
- l0a loa
- l9a loa
- loz loa
- los loa
- low loa
- loq loa
- loa koa
- loa poa
- loa ooa
- loa lia
- loa lka
- loa lla
- loa lpa
Etymology of LOA LOA
The word "Loa loa" has its origins in the Lingala language, which is primarily spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Angola and Congo-Brazzaville. "Loa" in Lingala means "river", while "loa loa" refers to the "eye worm" or "eye filaria".
The name was given to a parasitic worm, specifically Loa loa filariasis, which is transmitted through the bite of certain types of flies found in tropical rainforests. The worm infects humans and primarily affects the skin and eyes. The local people named the worm "Loa loa" due to its relation to the river and the severe symptoms it causes, particularly in the eyes.
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