Tropical Medicine & Surgery

Abstract

Ocular Loiasis in a US Soldier

Harrison B Baucom, Cristóbal S Berry-Cabán, Darrel K Carlton and Lindsey A Beaman

 While loiasis is endemic to areas of equatorial Africa, sporadic cases have been diagnosed among travelers and migrants. Reports of Loa loa are rare in the U.S. and often asymptomatic patients remain undiagnosed. However, as international travel becomes more common, the risk of loiasis does as well. Although the clinical features associated with loiasis can be life-threatening, there are several treatments available that can minimize, alleviate, and often cure loiasis. The treatment regimen for loiasis is thorough and the particular treatment should be chosen depending on the severity of the patient’s case. The following report presents a case of Loa loa in a soldier serving in the U.S. Army that was surgically removed.