Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

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Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

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Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

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A scientist is studying a helminthic infection that occurs most commonly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The infection is transmitted by the female black fly. Clinically, this infection can cause severe pruritic papular dermatitis and depigmentation. Which of the following additional manifestations is associated with this helminthic infection?  

External References

First Aid

2024

2023

2022

2021

Blindness

Onchocerca volvulus p. , 156

Onchocerca volvulus p. , 155, 156

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Summary

Onchocerca volvulus is a parasitic nematode (roundworm) transmitted by female blackflies, which causes onchocerciasis also known as river blindness. People with Onchocerciasis can present with severe skin irritation and eye problems such as inflammation of the iris, damage to the cornea, and blindness. The treatment of onchocerciasis is with ivermectin and doxycycline.