Loa loa (Eye worm)

Definitions & Key takeaways

Loa loa is a filarial tissue nematode or roundworm, transmitted by deer fly, mango fly, or the horsefly. Loa loa worm is known as the eye worm as sometimes it's seen crawling in the patient's conjunctiva. Other symptoms include non-erythematous skin lesions known as calabar swellings, skin irritation, conjunctivitis, joint inflammation.