MANSONELLA

PERSTANS
CHLOE NICOLAE J. YUMOL
 ABOUT IT
Scientific name: Mansonella
perstans
Higher classification: Mansonella
Family: Onchocercidae
Order: Spirurida
Rank: Species
Disease: serositis, with pericarditis,
hepatitis, or encephalitis
 HISTORY
In 1890, the microfilariae of M.
perstans were first discovered by
Manson in the blood of a patient from
West Africa who was hospitalized with
sleeping sickness in London.
MORPHOLOGY
Males are 35–56 mm long and 45–60
μm wide. Females are bigger, 70–80
mm long and 80–120 μm wide.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Mansonella perstans is endemic
throughout West, East, and Central
Africa,
LIFE CYCLE

D A RT P O L LY W O G DEMODOG DEMOGORGON
HOST AND VECTORS
The primary vectors are biting
midges of the genus Culicoides.

RESERVOIR
Humans are the only known reservoir for M. perstans.

TRANSMISSION
M. perstans is transmitted by the bite
of species of Culicoides midges.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Most infections with M. perstans are believed to be asymptomatic. When
symptoms occur they appear related to migration of adult worms and
include transient subcutaneous swellings (similar to those caused by Loa
loa), pericarditis and pleuritis, and ocular symptoms (e.g., impaired
visual acuity) if microfilariae enter the eye.
 DIAGNOSIS TREATMENT
The diagnosis is made Antihelminthig drugs that
have been tried against the
through parasitologic
infection include
evaluation by finding the
diethylcarbamazine (DEC), the
microfilariae in the blood or in
benzimidazoles (e.g.,
other body fluids (serosal albendazole and
effusions). mebendazole), and ivermectin
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