Loa loa meningoencephalitis in Southwestern Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Neurological complication of loiasis is an uncommon event, and is usually precipitated by treatment especially if microfilaria loads are high.


OBJECTIVE
To report an unusual presentation of loiasis with central nervous system involvement.


METHODS
A 60-year-old farmer of Yoruba origin from Southwestern Nigeria, developed meningoencephalitis from Loa loa, unrelated to antifilarial drug treatment. The presentation was unusual hence there was a slight delay in diagnosis. This case draws attention to L. loa, a neglected filarial, and highlights the unusual manifestation and diagnostic difficulties it can pose even in areas endemic for the infection.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the high mortality associated with L. loa infection when the central nervous system is directly involved.
Taiwo
S S
SS
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, PMB 4400, Osogbo, Nigeria. samtaiwo2003@yahoo.com
Tamiowo
M O
MO
D000818:Animals; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008117:Loa; D008118:Loiasis / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009349:Nematode Infections; D009549:Nigeria