Filarioidea

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Adult Loa Loa Parasite (8905176106)

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Microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworms) Surrounded by Neoplastic Lymphocytes 1

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Microfilaria of Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworms) Surrounded by Neoplastic Lymphocytes

Loa Loa

Filarioidea is a superfamily of parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that cause a group of diseases known as filariasis in humans and other animals. These parasites are transmitted to their hosts through the bites of arthropod vectors, primarily mosquitoes and black flies.

Taxonomy

The superfamily Filarioidea belongs to the order Spirurida within the class Secernentea. It includes several genera, the most notable of which are:

• Wuchereria
• Brugia
• Onchocerca
• Loa

Life Cycle

The life cycle of filarial worms involves two hosts: a definitive host (usually a mammal) and an intermediate host (an arthropod vector). The adult worms reside in the definitive host, where they produce microfilariae. These microfilariae are ingested by the intermediate host during a blood meal. Inside the vector, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae, which are then transmitted to a new definitive host during subsequent blood meals.

Diseases

Filarioidea are responsible for several significant diseases, including:

• Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi
• Onchocerciasis (river blindness), caused by Onchocerca volvulus
• Loiasis, caused by Loa loa

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of filarial infections typically involves the detection of microfilariae in blood samples or skin snips. Serological tests and molecular techniques such as PCR are also used. Treatment usually includes antiparasitic medications such as ivermectin, albendazole, and diethylcarbamazine.

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on controlling the vector population and reducing human-vector contact. This includes the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and community-wide administration of antiparasitic drugs (mass drug administration).

Related Pages

• Nematode
• Parasitology
• Vector (epidemiology)
• Tropical diseases