[Serum immunofluorescence examination in loa ophthalmia (author's transl)]

Loaiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by the filaria Loa loa.As soon as the worm reaches the subconjunctival space local irration ensues. This so-called Loa ophthalmia necessitates immediate surgical intervention which can be performed under topical anesthesia, using the slit lamp. The indirect immunofluorescence technique represents a valuable diagnostic test,since it is usually difficult to demonstrate the microfilaria in the peripheral blood.