Loa Loa

Loa loa is the filarial nematode (roundworm) species that causes Loa loa filariasis. It is commonly known as the "eye worm". Its geographic distribution includes Africa and India.

L. loa is one of three parasitic filarial nematodes that cause subcutaneous filariasis in humans. The two other filarial nematodes are Mansonella streptocerca and Onchocerca volvulus (causes river blindness).

Maturing larvae and adults of the "eye worm" occupy the subcutaneous layer of the skin – the fat layer – of humans, causing disease. The young larvae develop in horseflies of the genus Chrysops (deer flies, yellow flies), including the species C. dimidiata and C. silacea, which infect humans by biting them.