|
|
 |
|
|
| WORM LIKE CREATURE REMOVED FROM EYE |
 |
PARASITE REMOVED FROM THE EYEBALL OF A YOUNG N,
NOT FOR THE SCREAMISH!Loa Loa worms (also known as
the "eye worm") are classified as filarial worms,
meaning they thrive in human tissue. The Loa Loa
worm is also called the "eye worm" because they
often migrate through the eye and surrounding
subsurface areas. At one time, prior to the 1920s,
loa loa worm infections occurred in the United
States. Today, however, they mainly infect people
who are native to Sudan, and those who live in or
near Central and West Africa's swamps and rain
forests.
Loiasis is the infestation of loa loa worms in
humans. The larvae are first collected from an
infected individual when a mango fly (horsefly) or
a deer fly bites the individual, and acquires the
larvae. The larvae then progress through the fly's
body, finally reaching the feeding tube. They are
then transferred to a human host when the fly
bites the human. The larvae may remain unnoticed
for months or years before becoming an adult,
mating, and producing offspring.
Adult female Loa Loa worms can reach a length of 2
1/2 inches while males are approximately half that
size. Loa Loa worms can live approximately fifteen
years inside their human hosts. They travel
continuously through connective and deep tissue,
often without the victim experiencing any
sensation other than occasional itching.
It is when the worm slows or reaches a sensitive
spot that a person will often feel the greatest
discomfort. At this point, immune reactions may
also include localized redness and a condition
called "Calabar" swelling. Skin eruptions and
muscle pain may be evident.
When the Loa Loa worm reaches the eye tissue, it
can be easily seen and felt within the eyeball for
up to an hour. It is usually removed under local
anesthesia if the patient is within proximity of a
qualified physician. When an adult worm dies, the
surrounding tissue may abscess and require
excision. Encephalitis can occur if the worm
reaches the brain.
After mating, the female will deposit eggs -
called microfilariae. These tiny organisms then
travel in a worm-like fashion in the bloodstream
during daytime hours, when potential host flies
are most abundant. They congregate in the lungs at
night.
A Loa Loa worm infection is rarely fatal and
treatments often cause more life-threatening side
effects than the actual infestation, especially if
the worms are widespread. The most common
treatments are DEC (diethylcarbamazine) and
Ivermectin
Tags : EYE WORM PARASITE CREATURE GROSS |
|
Affichage : 890932
Durée : 95 s |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
|
