2. Episodic angioedema (Calabar swellings) and subconjunctival
migration of an adult worm can occur.
Intermediate Host
Flies from two species of the genus Chrysops:
1. Chrysops silacea
2. Chrysops dimidiata
Definitive Host
Human
Transmission
During a blood meal, an infected fly introduces third stage
filarial larvae onto the skin of the human host, where they penetrate into the bite wound.
Diagnosis
1. Loa loa is usually diagnosed by the finding of microfilaria in
peripheral blood smears or adults in the subconjunctiva.
2. Microfilariae of Loa loa exhibit diurnal periodicity and a diagnosis is best made from blood collected during the mid-day (10AM-2PM). The presence of Calabar swellings can aid in the