About Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis is known as river blindness, which is defined as the topicaldisease and is caused by parasitic worm- Onchocerca volvulus. The transmission can be through the bite of infected blackflies. As they breed near fast-flowing rivers and streams.
Majorly, it has been found that the condition is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Latin America, and Yemen. Individuals coming across with river blindness if left untreated then can cause major side-effects and hence it requires immediate attention upon consulting with a doctor. Albendazole 400 Mg is commonly prescribed as part of the treatment to help control the infection and prevent complications.
Causes of Onchocerciasis
One of the primary causes of onchocerciasis is infection with Onchocerca volvulus,- which is known as filarial worm. The case, where when an infected blackfly bites a human, then it deposits larvae (microfilariae) under the skin.
These larvae then mature into adult worms and later form nodules in the skin. The female worms then release millions of microfilariae which then migrate throughout the body and cause inflammation and tissue damage. However, the cycle continues when blackflies ingest microfilariae while feeding on an infected person, allowing the parasite to spread.
Symptoms and Effects
There are different Onchocerciasis symptoms and all of these are mentioned below-
Skin itching or irritation
Skin thickening
Formation of nodules
Damage in the eyes
Weakening of the immune system
How Onchocerciasis can be Treated?
Multiple controls can be taken into consideration when it comes to controlling onchocerciasis.
Consuming medicine
One of the potent medicines that can control river blindness is Ivermectin 12 Mg, as it is an antiparasitic drug that can kill microfilariae, and prevent transmission.
Doxycycline
This is yet another antibiotic that targets Wolbachia bacteria which are mainly found to be essential for Onchocerca volvulus. Upon killing all of these, bacteria weaken and in turn, eliminate the adult worms.
Surgery
In some of cases, nodules containing adult worms can be removed with the help of surgical procedures to help reduce parasitic infections.
Challenges in Treating Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis is a condition that has multiple controls. But do you know that even though there are many challenges available that can impact the overall process of treatment?
It has been found that Ivermectin does not kill adult worms and this indicates repeated treatments are necessary for over the decades.
Upon research, we found that adult worms can live for 15 years and this means they can continuously release microfilariae.
There are possibilities of high reinfection rates and this is majorly due to ongoing blackfly exposure.
Due to limited access to treatment, in remote areas, and where the disease is prevalent.
There is also a possible resistance to ivermectin, although not yet confirmed on a large scale.
Can Onchocerciasis Be Completely Cured?
Upon complete research, it has been found that at present time, onchocerciasis cannot be completely cured. There is advice to undergo long-term treatment that can significantly improve the symptoms.
Experts suggest that the use of doxycycline can offer hope for eliminating adult worms, but there are also a need to find a permanent cure. So, there is continuous research being going on to find the control of onchocerciasis to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Onchocerciasis remains one of the serious health issues among individuals majorly in Africa and Latin America. However, there are certain approaches available in the form of medications, surgery and lifestyle changes to help Onchocerciasis to remain controlled. Moreover, WHO, APOC and even NGOs, are on continuing research to find out the optimum treatment for complete control towards Oncho