Loa Loa - The African Eye Worm

[Magenta]

Loa loa is a blood dwelling nematode that is parasitic in humans. The adult worm wanders through the subcutaneous tissue but is most obvious as it crosses the conjunctiva of the eye hence leading to its common name, the African eye worm. Like all roundworms, Loa loa is sexual so a male and female worm must be present in the same host for a full infection to ensue. Upon reproduction the female worm produces sheathed eggs called microfilariae which circulate in the blood stream.

Loa loa is endemic to parts of Western Africa, especially in the rainforests of the Congo and Sudan. Symptoms are less serious in natives of these areas with complications occurring mostly in visitors and tourists.

Infection with Loa loa is spread by biting mango flies, a member of the genus Chysops. The American deer fly, Chysops atlanticus, had been reported to be a competent intermediate host of Loa loa and able to spread the worm to monkeys. This is of some public health concern but so far Loa loa has remained isolated to Africa.

[SJ]

That's gross and cool at the same time. I like how it looked like they were just letting the thing wiggle around on the eye for a bit.

[Magenta]

Originally Posted by SpadedJoker

That's gross and cool at the same time. I like how it looked like they were just letting the thing wiggle around on the eye for a bit.

I thought they were enjoying just watching it a bit too much!! Thought they were never gonna get rid of the thing!!

[SJ]

They're people that enjoy their work. No shame in that. Wonder how often they pull worms from peoples eyes? I'd stand there and watch it for a bit too.

[Magenta]

Originally Posted by SpadedJoker

They're people that enjoy their work. No shame in that. Wonder how often they pull worms from peoples eyes? I'd stand there and watch it for a bit too.

I hate eyeballs!! They make me squeamish!! Can do anything but eyeballs yet whenever I find videos of surgeries and stuff I can't stop watching them! I guess I just like grossing myself out!

[SJ]

Originally Posted by magenta

I hate eyeballs!! They make me squeamish!! Can do anything but eyeballs yet whenever I find videos of surgeries and stuff I can't stop watching them! I guess I just like grossing myself out!

It is a nice way to pass the time. But I do the same. Eyeballs don't bother me. Broken bones on the other hand. Just, no.

[StiffyWood]

I'm never leaving the house, never going anywhere..never.. never never never never......

[BondageWishes]

I will never ever go to Africa now!

[Magenta]

Originally Posted by StiffyWood

I'm never leaving the house, never going anywhere..never.. never never never never......

But then you'll get rickets and your legs will do this:

[BondageWishes]

Originally Posted by magenta

But then you'll get rickets and your legs will do this:

Yuck!