Mansonella is a genus of filarial nematodes (roundworms) that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies or mosquitoes. There are several species within this genus, including M. perstans, M. ozzardi, and M. streptocerca, which can cause different clinical manifestations in humans.

Mansonella perstans is the most widespread species, found mainly in Africa and some parts of Central and South America. The adult worms reside in the abdominal cavity and the thoracic cavity, where they release microfilariae into the bloodstream. This species does not usually cause severe symptoms, but chronic infection can lead to general malaise, fatigue, and peripheral eosinophilia (high levels of eosinophils in the blood).

Mansonella ozzardi is found primarily in Central and South America, and its vectors are mosquitoes. The adult worms reside in the body cavities, subcutaneous tissues, and the peritoneal cavity. Infection with M. ozzardi can cause dermatological manifestations such as pruritus (itching), papular rash, and calcified nodules under the skin.

Mansonella streptocerca is transmitted through bites of infected midges in West and Central Africa. The adult worms live in the subcutaneous tissues, particularly around the head and neck regions, leading to pruritus, papular rash, and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).

Diagnosis of Mansonella infections is typically made through the detection of microfilariae in blood samples, often obtained during nighttime due to the nocturnal periodicity of some species. Treatment usually involves the administration of antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine.

Mansonelliasis is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode (roundworm) species Mansonella perstans, M. ozzardi, or M. streptocerca. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blackflies or midges. The infection can cause a range of symptoms including fever, headache, pruritus (severe itching), and rash. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. Chronic infections can lead to more serious complications such as endocarditis, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). However, mansonelliasis is often overlooked or misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific symptoms and the limited availability of diagnostic tests.

Simuliidae is a family of small, robust two-winged flies known as black flies or buffalo gnats. The term "Simuliidae" itself is the taxonomic name for this group of insects. They are called black flies because many species are dark in color, and they are often referred to as gnats or buffalo gnats due to their small size and annoying biting behavior.

Black flies are well-known for their medical significance, as they can transmit several diseases to humans and animals, including onchocerciasis (river blindness), leucocytozoonosis, and various forms of bacterial infections. The female black flies feed on blood from hosts, while males primarily feed on nectar.

These insects are typically found near bodies of water, where their larvae develop in flowing or standing waters with high oxygen levels. They have aquatic habits and undergo a complete metamorphosis during their life cycle, transforming from an egg to larva, then pupa, and finally into an adult fly.

In summary, Simuliidae is the medical term for black flies or buffalo gnats, which are small, robust two-winged flies with a medical significance due to their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals.

Microfilaria is the larval form of certain parasitic roundworms (nematodes) belonging to the family Onchocercidae. These worms include species that cause filariasis, which are diseases transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes or blackflies. The microfilariae are found in the blood or tissue fluids of the host and can measure from 200 to 300 microns in length. They have a distinct sheath and a characteristic tail taper, which helps in their identification under a microscope. Different filarial species have specific microfilariae characteristics, such as size, shape, and lifestyle patterns (nocturnal or diurnal periodicity). The presence of microfilariae in the host's blood or tissue fluids is indicative of an ongoing infection with the respective filarial parasite.

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that is used to treat a variety of infections caused by parasites such as roundworms, threadworms, and lice. It works by paralyzing and killing the parasites, thereby eliminating the infection. Ivermectin is available in various forms, including tablets, creams, and solutions for topical use, as well as injections for veterinary use.

Ivermectin has been shown to be effective against a wide range of parasitic infections, including onchocerciasis (river blindness), strongyloidiasis, scabies, and lice infestations. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for other conditions, such as COVID-19, although its effectiveness for this use has not been proven.

Ivermectin is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it can cause side effects in some people, including skin rashes, nausea, and diarrhea. It should be used with caution in pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease.

Ceratopogonidae is a family of small flies, also known as biting midges or no-see-ums. They are characterized by their slender segmented bodies, feathery antennae, and wings with extensive venation. Some species in this family are known to be vectors of various diseases, such as human and animal forms of filariasis, blue tongue virus in sheep, and several viral diseases in horses. The larvae of these flies are aquatic or semi-aquatic and can be found in a variety of habitats including wet soil, decaying vegetation, and freshwater bodies.

Filaricides are a type of medication used to treat infections caused by filarial worms, which are parasitic roundworms that can infect humans and animals. These medications work by killing or inhibiting the development of the larval stages of the worms, thereby helping to eliminate the infection and prevent further transmission.

Filaricides are often used to treat diseases such as onchocerciasis (river blindness), lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), and loiasis (African eye worm). Examples of filaricides include ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole. It is important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have serious side effects if not used properly.

"Chills" is a medical term that refers to the sensation of shivering or feeling cold despite being in a warm environment. It is often accompanied by goosebumps on the skin and can be a symptom of various medical conditions, such as infections, hypothermia, or certain medications. During chills, the muscles involuntarily contract and relax rapidly to produce heat, causing the body temperature to rise in an attempt to fight off infection or illness. It is important to seek medical attention if experiencing persistent or severe chills, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, cough, or chest pain.

Loiasis is a tropical parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode worm, Loa loa. It is also known as "African eye worm" due to the migration of the adult worm through the subconjunctival tissues of the eye, which is a common symptom. The infection is transmitted through the bite of deerfly or mango fly (Chrysops spp.).

After transmission, the larval form of the parasite migrates through the soft tissues and matures into an adult worm that lives in the subcutaneous tissue. Adult worms can be up to 7 cm long and may cause localized itching or a transient subconjunctival migration, which is painless but alarming to the patient.

Loiasis is usually asymptomatic, but severe symptoms such as Calabar swellings (recurrent angioedema), arthralgia, pruritus, and cardiac or respiratory complications can occur in heavy infections. Diagnosis is made by detecting microfilariae or adult worms in the blood, skin snips, or eye fluid. Treatment typically involves diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) therapy, but ivermectin and albendazole can also be used. Preventive measures include avoiding fly bites through the use of protective clothing, insect repellents, and bed nets.

'Onchocerca volvulus' is a species of parasitic roundworm that is the causative agent of human river blindness, also known as onchocerciasis. This disease is named after the fact that the larval forms of the worm are often found in the rivers and streams where the blackfly vectors breed.

The adult female worms measure about 33-50 cm in length and live in nodules beneath the skin, while the much smaller males (about 4 cm long) move between the nodules. The females release microfilariae, which are taken up by blackflies when they bite an infected person. These larvae then develop into infective stages within the blackfly and can be transmitted to another human host during a subsequent blood meal.

The infection leads to various symptoms, including itchy skin, rashes, bumps under the skin (nodules), and in severe cases, visual impairment or blindness due to damage caused to the eyes by the migrating larvae. The disease is prevalent in certain regions of Africa, Latin America, and Yemen. Preventive measures include avoiding blackfly bites, mass drug administration with anti-parasitic drugs, and vector control strategies.

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. The infection is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies (Simulium spp.) that breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams. The larvae of the worms mature into adults in nodules under the skin, where females release microfilariae that migrate throughout the body, including the eyes.

Symptoms include severe itching, dermatitis, depigmentation, thickening and scarring of the skin, visual impairment, and blindness. The disease is also known as river blindness due to its association with riverside communities where blackflies breed. Onchocerciasis can lead to significant social and economic consequences for affected individuals and communities. Preventive chemotherapy using mass drug administration of ivermectin is the primary strategy for controlling onchocerciasis in endemic areas.

Wuchereria bancrofti is a parasitic roundworm that causes lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The worms infect the lymphatic system and can lead to chronic swelling of body parts such as the limbs, breasts, and genitals, as well as other symptoms including fever, chills, and skin rashes. Wuchereria bancrofti is a significant public health problem in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.