loiasis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “loiasis” mean?
A parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Loa loa, transmitted by deer flies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Loa loa, transmitted by deer flies.
Characterized by transient Calabar swellings and the migration of adult worms under the skin or across the eye. Endemic in parts of West and Central Africa.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage.
Connotations
None beyond the technical medical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “loiasis” in a Sentence
diagnose [someone] with loiasistreat [someone] for loiasissuffer from loiasisVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical textbooks, parasitology research, and tropical medicine journals.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only used in regions where the disease is endemic or in specific medical discussions.
Technical
The primary context, detailing symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loiasis”
- Misspelling as 'loasis' (like oasis)
- Mispronouncing the stress (e.g., /ˈlɔɪəsɪs/ instead of /lɔɪˈeɪsɪs/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Loiasis is rarely fatal but can cause significant discomfort and complications, especially if the worm migrates through the eye.
It is endemic in rainforest areas of West and Central Africa.
The drug diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is commonly used, but treatment must be managed carefully due to potential severe side effects.
Prevention involves avoiding deer fly bites through protective clothing and insect repellent in endemic areas.
A parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Loa loa, transmitted by deer flies.
Loiasis is usually technical/medical in register.
Loiasis: in British English it is pronounced /lɔɪˈeɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /loʊˈaɪəsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LOA' (the worm) + '-IASIS' (a disease condition, like in 'elephantiasis').
Conceptual Metaphor
Disease as an invader (the worm migrates through the body).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary vector for loiasis?