Evaluation of a novel biplex rapid diagnostic test for antibody responses to Loa loa and Onchocerca volvulus infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endemic to Central Africa, loiasis, caused by the vector-borne worm Loa loa, affects approximately 10 million individuals. Clinical manifestations include transient angioedema (Calabar swellings), migration of the adult worm under the eye conjunctiva (eye worm) and less specific general symptoms. Loiasis presents a significant public health challenge because L. loa-infected individuals can develop serious adverse events after taking ivermectin, the drug used to combat onchocerciasis. In this context, alternative interventions and rigorous diagnostic approaches are needed. Diagnosing loiasis is challenging because its main clinical manifestations are sporadic and non-specific. The definitive diagnosis relies on identifying adult worms migrating beneath the conjunctiva, or

SUBMITTER: Campillo JT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11495599 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature