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Onchocerciasis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

Synonyms and keywords: Onchocercosis; river blindness; Robles disease; onchocerca volvulus infection

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Primary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Antimicrobial therapy

  • Cutaneous filariasis – Onchocercia volvulus, Loa loa[1][2]
  • Preferred regimen (1): Doxycycline 150 μg/kg single dose
  • Preferred regimen (2): (Doxycycline 100 mg PO qd for 6 weeks OR 200 mg PO qd for 4 weeks) THEN Ivermectin after 4-6 months 150 μg/kg single dose
  • Preferred regimen (3): Doxycycline 200 mg PO qd for 6 weeks THEN Ivermectin after 4-6 months 150 μg/kg single dose


Case Studies

Case #1


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References

  1. Taylor MJ, Hoerauf A, Bockarie M (2010). “Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis”. Lancet. 376 (9747): 1175–85. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60586-7. PMID 20739055.
  2. Knopp S, Steinmann P, Hatz C, Keiser J, Utzinger J (2012). “Nematode infections: filariases”. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 26 (2): 359–81. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2012.02.005. PMID 22632644.

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