loaiasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/Very Low FrequencySpecialist/Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “loaiasis” mean?
A parasitic disease caused by infection with the filarial nematode *Loa loa*, also known as African eye worm, where adult worms migrate through subcutaneous tissues and sometimes across the conjunctiva of the eye.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parasitic disease caused by infection with the filarial nematode *Loa loa*, also known as African eye worm, where adult worms migrate through subcutaneous tissues and sometimes across the conjunctiva of the eye.
The medical condition loiasis primarily involves chronic infection characterized by localized episodic angioedema (Calabar swellings), adult worm migration, and potential serious complications when co-infected with other filarial diseases, particularly during mass drug administration programs. It is endemic to forested areas of Central and West Africa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may follow general national patterns for classical/medical terms.
Connotations
Purely clinical and epidemiological. No social or stylistic connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of medical, parasitological, or tropical health contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “loaiasis” in a Sentence
The patient [presented with] loiasis.The region is [endemic for] loiasis.[Treatment] for loiasis [involves] diethylcarbamazine.Loiasis [is caused by] the nematode Loa loa.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loaiasis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The patient was loiasis-positive.
- The community has been loiasis-tested.
American English
- The patient tested positive for loiasis.
- The area is loiasis-endemic.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- A loiasis infection can be chronic.
- The loiasis research programme received new funding.
American English
- A loiasis case was reported in a traveler.
- Loiasis co-infection complicates treatment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unused.
Academic
Used in medical and parasitology research papers, e.g., 'The epidemiology of loiasis in the Congo Basin was studied.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Primary context. Used in clinical diagnostics, public health planning, parasitology textbooks, and tropical medicine guidelines.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loaiasis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “loaiasis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loaiasis”
- Misspelling as 'loaisis', 'loasis' (like an oasis), or 'lioasis'.
- Incorrect pronunciation stress (e.g., on the first syllable).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a loiasis'). It is generally uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Loiasis is rarely fatal on its own, but it can cause significant morbidity and discomfort. The major danger arises during treatment for other filarial diseases in co-infected individuals, which can trigger severe brain inflammation.
Loiasis is endemic to rainforest areas of Central and West Africa, notably in countries like Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Gabon.
Yes, a distinctive sign is the migration of the adult worm across the conjunctiva (surface) of the eye, which is why it's called the 'African eye worm.' This is often symptomless but can cause irritation.
The standard drug is diethylcarbamazine (DEC), which kills the microfilariae and adult worms. Treatment must be managed carefully by a doctor due to potential side effects, especially in patients with high microfilarial loads.
A parasitic disease caused by infection with the filarial nematode *Loa loa*, also known as African eye worm, where adult worms migrate through subcutaneous tissues and sometimes across the conjunctiva of the eye.
Loaiasis is usually specialist/technical/medical in register.
Loaiasis: in British English it is pronounced /ləʊˈaɪəsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /loʊˈaɪəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LOA' - a parasitic worm takes a LOAn of your blood and tissue, causing an 'iasis' (diseased state). Or: Loa Loa Looks Over the Eye.
Conceptual Metaphor
PARASITE IS AN UNWANTED TRAVELER/THE BODY IS A LANDSCAPE (worms migrate/move through the body's terrain).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary vector for the transmission of loiasis?