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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Loiasis.
1Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), UR024, Département Sociétés et Santé, 213 rue La Fayette, 75480 Paris Cedex 10, France. boussinesq@ird.fr
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|January 18, 2007
Summary
Loiasis, a parasitic eye worm disease affecting millions in Central Africa, poses an underestimated health burden. Research is advancing diagnostics and safe treatments for this condition, crucial for public health programs.
Area of Science:
- * Tropical medicine and parasitology.
- * Epidemiology and public health in endemic regions.
Background:
- * Loiasis is a significant parasitic disease prevalent in Central African forest and savannah regions, often leading to frequent medical consultations.
- * The full health burden of loiasis is likely underestimated, with potential risks of severe neurological reactions in individuals with high microfilarial loads post-treatment.
- * These treatment-related adverse events impede crucial public health initiatives like the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the mechanisms underlying amicrofilaraemic or 'occult' loiasis.
- * To address operational research needs for the safe and effective management of loiasis.
- * To highlight advancements in diagnostics and treatment protocols for loiasis.
Main Methods:
- * Studies involved human populations from loiasis-endemic areas.
- * Research utilized monkey models to elucidate disease mechanisms.
- * Development and evaluation of new diagnostic tools and risk-free treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- * Recent studies have significantly enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of occult loiasis.
- * New diagnostic tools for loiasis have been developed over the last decade.
- * Various protocols for the safe treatment of loiasis cases are now available.
Conclusions:
- * Understanding occult loiasis mechanisms is crucial for disease management.
- * Advancements in diagnostics and treatment offer improved patient safety.
- * Operational research is vital to overcome challenges in controlling loiasis and related programs.
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