Abstract
Loa loa filariasis, endemic in Western and Central Africa, is rarely observed in Italy (about 100 cases reported between 1993 and 2013). Clinical manifestations of loiasis are different between expatriates and natives: asymptomatic infestation and eye involvement are more common in natives, while Calabar swelling, itching and urticaria are mainly seen in expatriates. Although a geographically restricted infection, it is not impossible to face loiasis among immigrants and travellers. Due to the HIV high prevalence in the same areas, also in apparent absence of risk factors or HIV related symptoms, an HIV test should be offered to people coming from these countries to detect unknown infections. We describe a case of symptomatic loiasis in an expatriate man, who was hospitalized for loiasis and discovered to be also HIV-1-positive; in our patient, the diagnosis of HIV infection forced us to start highly-active-antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antiparasitic treatment simultaneously.
Highlights
Loiasis, caused by the filarial nematode Loa loa, is known as African eye-worm, because the adult worm occasionally move across the eye of infected people
Clinical signs of loiasis may appear after five months from the infection: eye worm sign and asymptomatic infestation are more common in natives of endemic regions, while Calabar swellings, which is defined by episodic angioedema due to hypersensitive reactions to migrating adult parasites and/or microfilaria [3], pruritus and urticaria are more common in expatriates who were exposed to loiasis during adulthood
We describe a case of symptomatic loiasis in an expatriate man, who was hospitalized for loiasis and
Summary
Antiretroviral and Antiparasitic Therapy Management in an Expatriate Patient with Loiasis and HIV: A Case Report. Riccardi N1*, Magnè F1, Saffioti C1, Dodi F1, Ferrazin A1, Ratto S1,Di Biagio A1,Viscoli C1. Division of Infectious Disease, IRCCS AOUS San Martino-IST-University of Genoa-Italy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
