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Case report: Loiasis with peripheral nerve involvement and spleen lesions
Federico Gobbi1, Michel Boussinesq, Marta Mascarello
1Centro per le Malattie Tropicali, Ospedale Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy. federico.gobbi@sacrocuore.it
Summary
Loiasis, a parasitic infection affecting millions in Central Africa, can present with rare complications like peripheral neuropathy and spleen lesions. These unusual symptoms resolved after treatment with albendazole and ivermectin.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Loiasis is a parasitic filarial nematode infection caused by Loa loa, endemic in Central African rainforest and savannah regions.
- It affects millions, with typical symptoms including Calabar swellings and the presence of adult worms in the conjunctiva (eyeworm).
Observation:
- A case of loiasis presented with atypical clinical manifestations.
- These included peripheral neuropathy and focal hypo-echogenic splenic lesions, which are not commonly reported.
- The patient received treatment with albendazole and ivermectin.
Findings:
- The unusual clinical complications, peripheral neuropathy and splenic lesions, resolved completely following treatment.
- This case highlights the diverse and potentially serious clinical spectrum of Loa loa infection.
- Literature suggests L. loa infection can manifest in various, sometimes severe, ways.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to fully characterize the protean manifestations of loiasis.
- A better understanding of the true incidence of loiasis and its varied presentations is crucial for endemic areas.
- This knowledge can improve diagnosis, management, and public health strategies for loiasis.
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