Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

Summary of Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

Onchocerca volvulus is a nematode that causes onchocerciasis or "river blindness" mostly in Africa. The bite of the female blackfly transmits the parasite. Long-term corneal inflammation, or keratitis, leads to thickening of the corneal stroma which ultimately leads to blindness. Infection may also cause skin changes, such as hyperpigmentation and loss of elastic fibers. Patients may also have an allergic reaction to the microfilaria. Treatment is with ivermectin.

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Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

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Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness)

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A 12-year-old girl is brought to the pediatrician's office by her mother because of progressive vision loss. Her medical history is noncontributory, except for recent immigration from West Africa. Upon medical interrogation, the mother claims that her daughter helps her clean clothes on the side of the river. Physical exam shows multiple well-circumcised black nodules in her chest and forearms. Her temperature is 36.6°C (97.7°F), pulse is 102/min, respirations are 17/min, and blood pressure is 100/70 mmHg. Which of the following is the most likely causal organism responsible for this patient's symptoms?

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