Onchocerciasis "River Blindness" Flashcards
1
Q
What causes it?
A
Onchocerca volvulus, which is a filarial nematode.
2
Q
How is it transmitted?
A
It spreads by a bite of a infectious blackfly.
**Female blackflies ingest blood for ovulation.
3
Q
Georgraphic Distribution?
A
Mainly in Africa, with addition to Latin America and Middle East.
4
Q
Onset?
A
9 months to 2 years of infected bite.
5
Q
What are the symptoms?
A
skin rash, eye disease (visual impairment or blindness).
6
Q
What is the diagnosis?
A
- skin snip (skin nodules)
- slit-lamp examination
7
Q
What is the treatment?
A
ivermectin
