Adult Onchocerca live in nodules under the skin and produce microfilariae that cause itching and damage to the skin. They also enter the eye and cause inflammation and scarring that can result in blindness after many years.
What are the symptoms of microfilaria?
Signs and symptoms
- Fever.
- Inguinal or axillary lymphadenopathy.
- Testicular and/or inguinal pain.
- Skin exfoliation.
- Limb or genital swelling - Repeated episodes of inflammation and lymphedema lead to lymphatic damage, chronic swelling, and elephantiasis of the legs, arms, scrotum, vulva, and breasts.
Does filariasis cause itching in the body?
The skin becomes very itchy and a red spotty rash is often present. Scratching often leads to bleeding, ulcers and secondary infections. The lower trunk, pelvis, buttocks, thighs and legs appear to be the most affected. Microfilariae are the main cause of this dermatitis.
