eye worm

eye worm
a filarial worm, Loa loa, of western and central Africa, that is parasitic in the skin, or subcutaneous tissue, of human beings, often migrating into the eye region.
[1585-95]

* * *

      (species Loa loa), common parasite of humans and other primates in central and western Africa, a member of the phylum Nematoda. It is transmitted to humans by the deerfly, Chrysops (the intermediate host), which feeds on primate blood. When the fly alights on a human victim, the worm larva drops onto the new host's skin and burrows underneath. The larva migrates through the bloodstream, commonly locating in the eye or in other tissues just under the skin. The adult worm is 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 inches) long. The movement of the worm beneath the skin may cause itching or sometimes swellings as large as a hen's egg.

      Within the human host the adult female worm produces large numbers of microscopic, active embryos called microfilariae, which enter the host's blood or lymph vessels. Some of these are ingested by a deerfly as it sucks blood and, after about two weeks, complete a series of growth stages. As infective larvae, they move to the insect's proboscis to await an opportunity to transfer to a new human host.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • eye worm — n a parasitic worm found in the eye: as a) either of two slender nematode worms of the genus Oxyspirura (O. mansoni and O. petrowi) living beneath the nictitating membrane of the eyes of birds and esp. chickens b) any member of the nematode genus …   Medical dictionary

  • eye worm — noun : a parasitic worm found in the eye: as a. : either of two slender nematode worms (Oxyspirura mansoni and O. petrowi) living beneath the nictitating membrane of the eyes of chickens or other birds b. : a member of a genus (Thelazia) of… …   Useful english dictionary

  • eye worm — noun 1》 a filarial worm of equatorial Africa, affecting the eyes. [Loa loa.] 2》 a nematode worm that occurs in the region of the eyelid and tear duct, found chiefly in hoofed mammals. [Genus Thelazia.] …   English new terms dictionary

  • eye worm disease — eye fluke disease …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • eye — n. & v. n. 1 a the organ of sight in man and other animals. b the light detecting organ in some invertebrates. 2 the eye characterized by the colour of the iris (has blue eyes). 3 the region round the eye (eyes red from weeping). 4 a glass or… …   Useful english dictionary

  • worm's eye view — A worm s eye view of something is the view from below, either physically or socially …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • worm's-eye — «WURMZ Y», adjective. seen from below or very closely; narrow; detailed: »a worm s eye view of city life …   Useful english dictionary

  • worm's eye view — noun The view of events as seen from a low or humble position • • • Main Entry: ↑worm …   Useful english dictionary

  • worm's-eye view — worm s′ eye view′ n. cvb a perspective seen from below or from a low or inferior position • Etymology: 1910–15; on the model of bird s eye view …   From formal English to slang

  • worm's-eye view — ☆ worm s eye view [wʉrmz′ī΄ ] n. an outlook from very close range, but from an inferior or menial position …   English World dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”