Loiasis: a case of an unusual ocular foreign body

Loiasis is a parasitic illness that is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa. In the United States, infection with Loa loa is seen in natives from that region of Africa and in those who have traveled to the area, often in the distant past. There can be significant differences in clinical manifestations between the two groups. We present a case of loiasis in an African native as well as a discussion of Loa loa infection in natives and non-natives and current treatment strategies.