infectious diseases
Mansonellosis
Introduction
Mansonellosis refers to diseases caused by the filarial nematodesMansonella perstans,M. ozzardi, andM. streptocerca. Transmission is by biting midges or blackflies. Infections are often asymptomatic, but symptoms can occur. The diagnosis ofM. perstansandM. ozzardiis confirmed by identifying microfilariae in blood smears; neither species displays significant periodicity so blood can be drawn any time. The diagnosis ofM. streptocercais based on identifying microfilariae in skin snips or biopsies. Treatment depends on the infectingMansonellaspecies. (See also Approach to Parasitic Infections and Three species of Mansonella cause most human disease. As with other filarial diseases, their life cycle is complex (seeDPDx - Laboratory Identification of Parasites of Public Health Concern: Mansonellosis). 