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Onchocerciasis

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Onchocerciasis is a disease caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted by the blackfly genus Simulium. Species of which occur in Africa i.e. S. damnosum, S. naevi, and in Venezula i.e. S. metallicum.

Onchocerciasis is confined to West, East and Central Africa, Central South America and Southern Saudi Arabia.

The disease is characterised by genital elephantiasis, subcutaneous nodules and ocular lesions.

Reference

  1. Onchocerciasis Life Cycle. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Online 2025)

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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