Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a filarial infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by black flies, leading to pruritus, dermatitis, and ocular disease that can progress to blindness.
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name: Onchocerciasis
creation_date: '2026-01-26T15:56:41Z'
updated_date: '2026-04-11T00:41:29Z'
category: Infectious Disease
description: >-
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is a filarial infection caused by
Onchocerca volvulus, transmitted by black flies, leading to pruritus,
dermatitis, and ocular disease that can progress to blindness.
disease_term:
term:
id: MONDO:0017137
label: onchocerciasis
preferred_term: Onchocerciasis
parents:
- Helminth infection
- Neglected tropical disease
infectious_agent:
- name: Onchocerca volvulus
infectious_agent_term:
preferred_term: Onchocerca volvulus
term:
id: NCBITaxon:6282
label: Onchocerca volvulus
description: Filarial nematode responsible for onchocerciasis.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Onchocerciasis results from infestation by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus"
explanation: The abstract identifies O. volvulus as the causative nematode.
agent_life_cycle:
description: Larvae transmitted by black flies develop into adult filariae in humans.
hosts:
- preferred_term: human
term:
id: NCBITaxon:9606
label: Homo sapiens
role: definitive host
- preferred_term: black fly
term:
id: NCBITaxon:7190
label: Simuliidae
role: intermediate host
vectors:
- black flies (Simuliidae)
life_cycle_stages:
- name: Larvae develop into adult filariae after transmission
life_cycle_stage_term:
preferred_term: adult parasitic worm stage
term:
id: OPL:0000237
label: adult parasitic worm stage
description: Larvae transmitted by black flies develop into adult filariae in human hosts.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Onchocerciasis is spread by bites from infested black flies, which transmit larvae that subsequently develop into adult filariae."
explanation: The abstract describes larval transmission and development to adult filariae.
transmission:
- name: Black fly bite transmission
description: Infested black flies transmit larvae through bites.
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Onchocerciasis is spread by bites from infested black flies"
explanation: The abstract specifies black fly bite transmission.
phenotypes:
- name: Pruritus
category: Dermatologic
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Pruritus
term:
id: HP:0000989
label: Pruritus
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Skin symptoms are commonly nonspecific and include severe pruritus, acute and chronic dermatitis"
explanation: Severe pruritus is a common skin symptom of onchocerciasis.
- name: Dermatitis
category: Dermatologic
frequency: VERY_FREQUENT
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Eczematoid dermatitis
term:
id: HP:0000964
label: Eczematoid dermatitis
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Skin symptoms are commonly nonspecific and include severe pruritus, acute and chronic dermatitis"
explanation: Dermatitis is listed among common skin symptoms.
- name: Blindness
category: Ophthalmologic
frequency: OCCASIONAL
phenotype_term:
preferred_term: Blindness
term:
id: HP:0000618
label: Blindness
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Onchocercal ocular disease covers a large spectrum of manifestations, which in severe cases, may lead to blindness."
explanation: Severe ocular disease can lead to blindness.
treatments:
- name: Ivermectin therapy
description: Ivermectin is the drug of choice for skin and ocular manifestations.
treatment_term:
preferred_term: Pharmacotherapy
term:
id: NCIT:C15986
label: Pharmacotherapy
evidence:
- reference: PMID:16714198
reference_title: "Onchocerciasis--river blindness."
supports: SUPPORT
snippet: "Ivermectin is, at present, the drug of choice for skin and ocular manifestations."
explanation: The abstract identifies ivermectin as the drug of choice.
references:
- reference: DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37537
title: Epidemiology of epilepsy in Wulu County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in South Sudan
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Epidemiology of epilepsy in Wulu County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in South Sudan
supporting_text: Epidemiology of epilepsy in Wulu County, an onchocerciasis-endemic area in South Sudan
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-50582-9
title: Modelling onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and the impact of ivermectin treatment on its prevalence and incidence
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Retrospective cohort studies in Cameroon found an association between Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial load in childhood (measured in 1991–1993) and risk of developing epilepsy later in life (measured in 2017).
supporting_text: Retrospective cohort studies in Cameroon found an association between Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial load in childhood (measured in 1991–1993) and risk of developing epilepsy later in life (measured in 2017).
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s41467-024-50582-9
reference_title: Modelling onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and the impact of ivermectin treatment on its prevalence and incidence
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Retrospective cohort studies in Cameroon found an association between Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial load in childhood (measured in 1991–1993) and risk of developing epilepsy later in life (measured in 2017).
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s43856-026-01464-2
title: Modelling of onchocerciasis-associated skin and ocular disease and the impact of ivermectin treatment
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Despite decades of control interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, morbidity associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection still exerts a substantial burden of disease, arising from cutaneous, ocular and neurological manifestations.
supporting_text: Despite decades of control interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, morbidity associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection still exerts a substantial burden of disease, arising from cutaneous, ocular and neurological manifestations.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1038/s43856-026-01464-2
reference_title: Modelling of onchocerciasis-associated skin and ocular disease and the impact of ivermectin treatment
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Despite decades of control interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, morbidity associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection still exerts a substantial burden of disease, arising from cutaneous, ocular and neurological manifestations.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofae240
title: 'Safety and Short-term Efficacy of a Single Dose of 2 mg Moxidectin in <i>Loa loa</i>–Infected Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized Ivermectin-Controlled Trial With Ascending Microfilarial Densities'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the macrocylic lactone moxidectin (MOX) at 8 mg dosage for onchocerciasis treatment in individuals aged ≥12 years.
supporting_text: In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the macrocylic lactone moxidectin (MOX) at 8 mg dosage for onchocerciasis treatment in individuals aged ≥12 years.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1093/ofid/ofae240
reference_title: 'Safety and Short-term Efficacy of a Single Dose of 2 mg Moxidectin in <i>Loa loa</i>–Infected Individuals: A Double-Blind, Randomized Ivermectin-Controlled Trial With Ascending Microfilarial Densities'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the macrocylic lactone moxidectin (MOX) at 8 mg dosage for onchocerciasis treatment in individuals aged ≥12 years.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1098/rstb.2022.0277
title: Can mass drug administration of moxidectin accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa?
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Can mass drug administration of moxidectin accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa?
supporting_text: Epidemiological and modelling studies suggest that elimination of Onchocerca volvulus transmission (EoT) throughout Africa may not be achievable with annual mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin alone, particularly in areas of high endemicity and vector density.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1098/rstb.2022.0277
reference_title: Can mass drug administration of moxidectin accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa?
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Epidemiological and modelling studies suggest that elimination of Onchocerca volvulus transmission (EoT) throughout Africa may not be achievable with annual mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin alone, particularly in areas of high endemicity and vector density.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1101/2024.05.07.24306977
title: Usability, acceptability and cost of the SD BIOLINE Ov16 rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis surveillance in endemic communities in the middle belt of Ghana
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Previous studies in the Bono Region (middle belt) of Ghana have reported persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection and associated morbidities after nearly three decades of ivermectin treatment.
supporting_text: Previous studies in the Bono Region (middle belt) of Ghana have reported persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection and associated morbidities after nearly three decades of ivermectin treatment.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1101/2024.05.07.24306977
reference_title: Usability, acceptability and cost of the SD BIOLINE Ov16 rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis surveillance in endemic communities in the middle belt of Ghana
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Previous studies in the Bono Region (middle belt) of Ghana have reported persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection and associated morbidities after nearly three decades of ivermectin treatment.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s13071-023-06087-3
title: 'Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: 'After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high Onchocerca volvulus microfilaridermia (microfilariae/mg skin, SmfD).'
supporting_text: After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high Onchocerca volvulus microfilaridermia (microfilariae/mg skin, SmfD).
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1186/s13071-023-06087-3
reference_title: 'Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high Onchocerca volvulus microfilaridermia (microfilariae/mg skin, SmfD).
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011320
title: 'Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: Modelling and exploring the impact of control measures against river blindness'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness”, is caused by the bite of infected female blackflies (genusSimuliidae) that transmit the parasiteOnchocerca volvulus.
supporting_text: Onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness”, is caused by the bite of infected female blackflies (genusSimuliidae) that transmit the parasiteOnchocerca volvulus.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011320
reference_title: 'Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: Modelling and exploring the impact of control measures against river blindness'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness”, is caused by the bite of infected female blackflies (genusSimuliidae) that transmit the parasiteOnchocerca volvulus.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0013244
title: 'High epilepsy prevalence and excess mortality in onchocerciasis-endemic counties of South Sudan: A call for integrated interventions'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Epilepsy is a major health concern in onchocerciasis-endemic regions with intense transmission, where the infection is associated with a high epilepsy burden.
supporting_text: Epilepsy is a major health concern in onchocerciasis-endemic regions with intense transmission, where the infection is associated with a high epilepsy burden.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0013244
reference_title: 'High epilepsy prevalence and excess mortality in onchocerciasis-endemic counties of South Sudan: A call for integrated interventions'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: Epilepsy is a major health concern in onchocerciasis-endemic regions with intense transmission, where the infection is associated with a high epilepsy burden.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2764415/v1
title: 'Effect of onchocerciasis elimination measures on the incidence of epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: a three-year prospective study'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: High onchocerciasis transmission predisposes endemic communities to a high epilepsy burden.
supporting_text: High onchocerciasis transmission predisposes endemic communities to a high epilepsy burden.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2764415/v1
reference_title: 'Effect of onchocerciasis elimination measures on the incidence of epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: a three-year prospective study'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: HUMAN_CLINICAL
snippet: High onchocerciasis transmission predisposes endemic communities to a high epilepsy burden.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fitd.2023.1126173
title: Filariasis research – from basic research to drug development and novel diagnostics, over a decade of research at the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn, Germany
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Filariae are vector borne parasitic nematodes, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions causing avoidable infections ranging from asymptomatic to stigmatizing and disfiguring disease.
supporting_text: Filariae are vector borne parasitic nematodes, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions causing avoidable infections ranging from asymptomatic to stigmatizing and disfiguring disease.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.3389/fitd.2023.1126173
reference_title: Filariasis research – from basic research to drug development and novel diagnostics, over a decade of research at the Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Bonn, Germany
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Filariae are vector borne parasitic nematodes, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions causing avoidable infections ranging from asymptomatic to stigmatizing and disfiguring disease.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.3390/pathogens13080671
title: 'The Interruption of Transmission of Onchocerciasis in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States, Nigeria: The Largest Global Onchocerciasis Stop-Treatment Decision to Date'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Onchocerciasis causes severe morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa.
supporting_text: Onchocerciasis causes severe morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.3390/pathogens13080671
reference_title: 'The Interruption of Transmission of Onchocerciasis in Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States, Nigeria: The Largest Global Onchocerciasis Stop-Treatment Decision to Date'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Onchocerciasis causes severe morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.3390/tropicalmed9090207
title: 'Effects of Five Years of Treatment of Onchocerciasis with Ivermectin under Community Guidelines in Resurgent Areas of Burkina Faso: A before-and-after Analysis'
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Almost the entire country of Burkina Faso was endemic to onchocerciasis.
supporting_text: Almost the entire country of Burkina Faso was endemic to onchocerciasis.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.3390/tropicalmed9090207
reference_title: 'Effects of Five Years of Treatment of Onchocerciasis with Ivermectin under Community Guidelines in Resurgent Areas of Burkina Faso: A before-and-after Analysis'
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Almost the entire country of Burkina Faso was endemic to onchocerciasis.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
- reference: DOI:10.64898/2026.01.20.26344416
title: Assessing diagnostic accuracy of Ov16 rapid diagnostic tests for onchocerciasis using Bayesian latent class models
found_in:
- Onchocerciasis-deep-research-falcon.md
findings:
- statement: Onchocerciasis elimination programs increasingly rely on tests that detect antibodies to the Ov16 antigen, yet the performance of currently available rapid tests remains uncertain.
supporting_text: Onchocerciasis elimination programs increasingly rely on tests that detect antibodies to the Ov16 antigen, yet the performance of currently available rapid tests remains uncertain.
evidence:
- reference: DOI:10.64898/2026.01.20.26344416
reference_title: Assessing diagnostic accuracy of Ov16 rapid diagnostic tests for onchocerciasis using Bayesian latent class models
supports: SUPPORT
evidence_source: OTHER
snippet: Onchocerciasis elimination programs increasingly rely on tests that detect antibodies to the Ov16 antigen, yet the performance of currently available rapid tests remains uncertain.
explanation: Deep research cited this publication as relevant literature for Onchocerciasis.
Question: You are an expert researcher providing comprehensive, well-cited information.
Provide detailed information focusing on: 1. Key concepts and definitions with current understanding 2. Recent developments and latest research (prioritize 2023-2024 sources) 3. Current applications and real-world implementations 4. Expert opinions and analysis from authoritative sources 5. Relevant statistics and data from recent studies
Format as a comprehensive research report with proper citations. Include URLs and publication dates where available. Always prioritize recent, authoritative sources and provide specific citations for all major claims.
Please provide a comprehensive research report on Onchocerciasis covering all of the disease characteristics listed below. This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry. Be thorough and cite primary literature (PMID preferred) for all claims.
For each section, suggested databases/resources are listed. These are the first places you should search for information on each topic.
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, ICD-10/ICD-11, MeSH, PubMed
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, UpToDate, clinical guidelines, ClinVar, ClinGen, GWAS Catalog, PheGenI, CTD, CDC, WHO, epidemiological databases
Search first: PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinical trial databases, GWAS Catalog, gnomAD, WHO, CDC, nutrition databases
Search first: CTD, PubMed, PheGenI, GxE databases
Search first: HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology), OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, MedDRA, SNOMED CT, DECIPHER, LOINC
For each phenotype, provide: - Phenotype type: symptoms, clinical signs, physical manifestations, behavioral changes, or laboratory abnormalities
For symptoms/signs: HPO, OMIM, Orphanet, PubMed For behavioral changes: HPO, DSM, RDoC (Research Domain Criteria), PubMed For laboratory abnormalities: LOINC, SNOMED CT, LabTests Online, PubMed - Phenotype characteristics: Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed - Age of symptom onset (neonatal, childhood, adult-onset, late-onset) - Symptom severity (mild, moderate, severe, variable) - Symptom progression (stable, progressive, episodic, fluctuating) - Frequency among affected individuals (percentage or qualitative) - Quality of life impact: Effects on daily functioning and well-being (per-phenotype when possible) Search first: EQ-5D database, SF-36, WHO QOL databases, PubMed - Suggest HPO (Human Phenotype Ontology) terms for each phenotype
Search first: OMIM, ClinVar, HGMD, Ensembl, NCBI Gene
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
Search first: DECIPHER, ClinVar, ECARUCA, UCSC Genome Browser
Search first: CTD (Comparative Toxicogenomics Database), TOXNET, PubMed, EPA databases
Search first: CDC databases, WHO, PubMed, NHANES
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy, ViPR, BV-BRC, MicrobeDB, GIDEON
Search first: KEGG, Reactome, WikiPathways, PathBank, BioCyc
Search first: Gene Ontology (GO), Reactome, KEGG, PubMed
Search first: UniProt, PDB (Protein Data Bank), InterPro, Pfam, AlphaFold
Search first: KEGG, BioCyc, HMDB (Human Metabolome Database), BRENDA
Search first: ImmPort, Immunome Database, IEDB, Gene Ontology
Search first: PubMed, Gene Ontology, Reactome
Search first: BRENDA, UniProt, KEGG, OMIM, PubMed
Search first: ENCODE, Roadmap Epigenomics, MethBase, DiseaseMeth
For each mechanism, describe: - The causal chain from initial trigger to clinical manifestation - Which mechanisms are upstream vs downstream - What cell types and biological processes are involved - Suggest GO terms for biological processes and CL terms for cell types
Search first: Uberon, FMA (Foundational Model of Anatomy), OMIM, HPO, ICD-11, MeSH, SNOMED CT
Search first: Uberon, Human Protein Atlas, Cell Ontology, Human Cell Atlas, CellMarker, PanglaoDB
Search first: Gene Ontology (Cellular Component), UniProt, Human Protein Atlas
Search first: OMIM, Orphanet, HPO, PubMed
Search first: Disease registries, longitudinal cohort databases, natural history studies, PubMed, Orphanet, OMIM
Search first: Orphanet, CDC, WHO, GBD (Global Burden of Disease), national registries, SEER, disease registries
Search first: GTR (Genetic Testing Registry), GeneReviews, ClinGen
For each treatment, suggest MAXO (Medical Action Ontology) terms where applicable.
Search first: CDC vaccine schedules, WHO immunization, FDA vaccine database
Search first: CDC, WHO, behavioral intervention databases, Cochrane Library
Search first: NSGC resources, ACMG guidelines, GeneReviews
Search first: Clinical guidelines, FDA approvals, PubMed
Search first: NCBI Taxonomy
Search first: VBO (Vertebrate Breed Ontology)
Search first: NCBI Gene
Structure your response as a comprehensive narrative organized by the sections above. For each section, provide: - Factual content with specific details (numbers, percentages, gene names, variant nomenclature) - Ontology term suggestions (HPO, GO, CL, UBERON, CHEBI, MAXO, MONDO) where applicable - Evidence citations with PMIDs - Direct quotes from abstracts to support key claims - Clear indication when information is not available or not applicable for this disease
This report will be used to populate a disease knowledge base entry with: - Pathophysiology descriptions with causal chains - Gene/protein annotations (HGNC, GO terms) - Phenotype associations (HP terms) with frequencies - Cell type involvement (CL terms) - Anatomical locations (UBERON terms) - Chemical entities (CHEBI terms) - Treatment annotations (MAXO terms) - Evidence items with PMIDs and exact abstract quotes - Epidemiology, prognosis, diagnostic, and prevention information - Animal model descriptions with phenotype recapitulation details
Onchocerciasis is a vector-borne filarial disease caused by Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by Simulium blackflies. It is classically termed “river blindness” because transmission occurs near fast-flowing rivers where blackflies breed, and ocular inflammation can lead to visual impairment and blindness. Contemporary work emphasizes that the most common clinical burden is often inflammatory/degenerative skin disease (severe pruritus and dermatitis), and that neurological sequelae—especially onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) and nodding syndrome—are increasingly recognized as major contributors to disability and premature mortality in high-transmission foci. Recent programmatic advances include large-scale stop–mass drug administration (MDA) decisions using WHO elimination thresholds (Nigeria, effective Jan 2023), while multiple foci show recrudescence or persistent transmission. New tools (more-sensitive Ov16 rapid tests; anti-Wolbachia short-course regimens; moxidectin deployment strategies; and late-stage drug candidates such as emodepside) are being developed to accelerate elimination where ivermectin alone is insufficient. (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27, stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2, kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2, ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 2-5, karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
Onchocerciasis (“river blindness”) is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted to humans by bites of infected blackflies (Simulium spp.). (ouedraogo2024effectsoffive pages 1-2, stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2, kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2)
Recent expert synthesis stresses that despite the name “river blindness,” “the commonest clinical presentation is an inflammatory, degenerative dermal disease,” with severe itching and diverse skin changes; ocular disease arises from microfilariae and inflammatory responses and can cause blindness. (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27)
Limitation of current tool-retrieved evidence: none of the retrieved full texts contained explicit ICD-10/ICD-11 codes, MeSH descriptor IDs, Orphanet IDs, or MONDO IDs. Therefore, these identifiers cannot be reliably populated from the current evidence set without direct lookup from the relevant ontology/code systems.
This report is derived from aggregated disease-level resources and peer-reviewed studies (systematic reviews, modelling studies, and field epidemiology/program evaluations), not individual EHR case reports. (ouedraogo2024effectsoffive pages 1-2, stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2, ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 2-5)
No robust human host genetic susceptibility/protection loci were identified within the retrieved evidence set (2023–2026). The dominant “interaction” described in this literature is environmental exposure (vector biting intensity near breeding sites) modulated by intervention intensity (MDA and vector control). (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2, jada2023effectofonchocerciasis pages 1-3)
Recent authoritative synthesis describes: - Cutaneous disease: “intolerable itching, papular lesions, pigmentary change, skin thickening and premature skin ageing.” (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27) - Ocular disease: microfilariae and inflammation can cause visual impairment and blindness. (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27) - Neurologic disease: increasing evidence links onchocerciasis to epilepsy syndromes including nodding syndrome and OAE, with onset typically in childhood/adolescence. (stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2)
Note: HPO mappings below are suggested for knowledge-base normalization; they were not explicitly provided in the retrieved articles. - Pruritus → HP:0000989 - Dermatitis/skin rash (papular lesions) → HP:0000964 (Eczema) / HP:0000988 (Skin rash) - Skin hypopigmentation (depigmentation) → HP:0001010 - Visual impairment → HP:0000505 - Blindness → HP:0000618 - Epileptic seizures → HP:0001250 - Nodding seizures (nodding syndrome; use as seizure phenotype) → HP:0001270 (Abnormality of movement) is non-specific; consider custom annotation + seizure subtype in local schema.
Direct QoL instrument outcomes (EQ-5D/SF-36) were not captured in the retrieved evidence set. Indirect but strong impact is supported by high epilepsy-associated mortality and young age at death in endemic foci (below). (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2, fodjo2024epidemiologyofepilepsy pages 1-3)
Not applicable in the Mendelian sense: onchocerciasis is an infectious disease caused by a helminth parasite. No human causal variants were identified in the retrieved evidence set.
Anti-Wolbachia treatment evidence implies key biological dependence of O. volvulus on Wolbachia (bacterial endosymbiont) and supports macrofilaricidal strategies by depleting Wolbachia. - Doxycycline regimens (anti-Wolbachia) show strong macrofilaricidal/embryogenesis effects: the review reports that 200 mg/day for six weeks produced “~96% Wolbachia loss and 99% microfilaria reduction,” and that “6-week doxycycline followed by a single ivermectin+albendazole dose gave an 89% macrofilaricidal effect at 2 years.” (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
Limitations: detailed cytokine/cellular mechanism text was not captured in the retrieved evidence; therefore, ontology suggestions are conservative. - Inflammatory response → GO:0006954 - Response to bacterium (for Wolbachia contributions) → GO:0009617 - Eosinophil activation (typical for helminths) → GO:0043300 (approximate; verify with targeted immunology sources) - Key immune cell types (CL): T cell CL:0000084, B cell CL:0000236, macrophage CL:0000235, eosinophil CL:0000771
No specific lifestyle risk or protective factors (diet, smoking, etc.) were identified in the retrieved evidence set.
1) Infective blackfly bite → transmission of O. volvulus to human host. (ouedraogo2024effectsoffive pages 1-2, stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2) 2) Adult worms establish and produce microfilariae → microfilariae migrate through skin and ocular tissues, provoking inflammatory disease. (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27) 3) Clinical outcomes: chronic pruritic dermatoses; ocular inflammation/vision loss; and in high-transmission settings, increased risk of epilepsy syndromes (OAE/nodding syndrome) associated with microfilarial burden in childhood. (kamgno2025vectorbornehelminthiasesa pages 24-27, stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2)
OAE typically begins between ages 3–18 years in previously healthy children in highly endemic areas. (stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2, bhattacharyya2023onchocerciasisassociatedepilepsyin pages 1-2)
Onchocerciasis is typically a chronic infection requiring sustained interventions (often ≥10–15 years) to interrupt transmission in endemic foci, consistent with field-program knowledge and recent field studies. (ouedraogo2024effectsoffive pages 1-2, fodjo2024epidemiologyofepilepsy pages 1-3)
From the Nigeria stop-treatment decision paper: - Epidemiological criterion: Ov16 seroprevalence in children 5–9 years with 95% UCL <0.1% using surveys of ≥3,000 children. (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2) - Entomological criterion: infective fly prevalence by O-150 PCR <0.05% with 95% confidence among ≥6,000 flies, or annual transmission potential (ATP) <20 with 95% confidence if fewer flies are analyzed. (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2)
A recent latent-class evaluation summarized WHO target product profile (TPP) thresholds for Ov16 RDTs: - Mapping: sensitivity ≥60% and specificity ≥99.8% - Stop-MDA: sensitivity ≥89% and specificity ≥99.8% (norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 3-5)
In the same evaluation, the GADx Ov16 rapid test achieved posterior median sensitivity ~92% but specificities (highest median ~98.8%) remained below the 99.8% benchmark, implying that confirmatory/combined strategies may still be required for high-stakes stop-MDA decisions. (norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 1-3, norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 7-11)
In Ghana, an Ov16 SD BIOLINE RDT surveillance study reported substantially higher acceptability than skin snips and a cost model of US$24/person for Ov16 RDT vs US$74/person for skin-snip microscopy (standardized to testing 400 participants). (otabil2025usabilityacceptabilityand pages 1-6)
A large multi-county study in South Sudan reported markedly elevated mortality among persons with suspected epilepsy compared to individuals without epilepsy: - Standardized mortality rates: 67.6/1,000 person-years (suspected epilepsy) vs 9.0/1,000 person-years (without epilepsy) - Standardized mortality ratio (SMR): 6.9 (95% CI 5.9–8.0) - Median age at death: 20 years (epilepsy) vs 38 years (without epilepsy) (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2)
EPIONCHO-IBM modelling calibrated to Cameroon cohort data predicted epilepsy prevalence and incidence consistent with observed data and suggested that long-term intensified ivermectin strategies (e.g., biannual MDA at high coverage) could eliminate OAE in hyperendemic settings. (stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2)
Rationale and modelling: A 2023 modelling analysis reports that annual ivermectin alone may not achieve elimination everywhere, while moxidectin’s superiority in prolonged microfilarial clearance could accelerate elimination; projections indicate biannual moxidectin MDA may halve time-to-elimination in mesoendemic areas and may be necessary in hyperendemic areas. (kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2)
Phase 3 ocular safety outcome detail: In a randomized double-blind Phase 3 comparison, ocular Mazzotti reactions occurred in 12.4% of moxidectin-treated vs 10.2% of ivermectin-treated participants, with similar effects on microfilariae in the anterior chamber. (kanza2024onchocercavolvulusmicrofilariae pages 1-2)
Loa loa co-endemic safety considerations: A randomized trial in Loa loa–infected individuals (Cameroon; NCT04049851) found no serious/severe adverse events with 2 mg moxidectin vs ivermectin in low microfilaremia strata and suggests further dose exploration. (wafeu2024safetyandshortterm pages 1-2)
A 2023 translational review reports doxycycline anti-Wolbachia regimens can be macrofilaricidal and profoundly reduce microfilariae (e.g., “~96% Wolbachia loss and 99% microfilaria reduction” with 6 weeks of doxycycline 200 mg/day), but WHO recommends doxycycline for individual therapy rather than MDA due to multi-week dosing and contraindications (pregnancy, breastfeeding, children <8). (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
From a 2023 review of pipeline agents (anti-Wolbachia and direct-acting candidates): - ABBV-4083 / flubentylosin (anti-Wolbachia), Phase II: NCT04913610 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) - AWZ1066S (anti-Wolbachia), Phase I: NCT05084560 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) - Emodepside (direct-acting), Phase II: NCT05180461 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) - Oxfendazole (direct-acting), Phase II: NCT04713787 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
Note: ontology identifiers below are suggested for knowledge base normalization. - Ivermectin administration / preventive chemotherapy → MAXO:0000757 (drug therapy; verify exact MAXO term) (ouedraogo2024effectsoffive pages 1-2) - Moxidectin therapy → MAXO drug therapy term (kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2) - Doxycycline therapy (anti-Wolbachia) → MAXO drug therapy term (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
ChEBI suggestions: - Ivermectin → CHEBI term (not provided in evidence; requires lookup) - Moxidectin → CHEBI term (not provided in evidence; requires lookup) - Doxycycline → CHEBI term (not provided in evidence; requires lookup)
The retrieved evidence set did not contain primary data on zoonotic transmission for O. volvulus; it focuses on human onchocerciasis. A related research context for filarial disease uses animal parasites and comparative models (below). (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 1-2)
A 2023 filariasis research review highlights the Litomosoides sigmodontis animal model as “extensively useful in elucidating protective immune responses against filariae” and for studying filarial immunomodulation, supporting translational work in onchocerciasis. (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 1-2)
The same review describes development of “sensitive qPCRs as well as LAMP assays” and ongoing “artificial intelligence based histology analysis for onchocerciasis.” (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 1-2)
1) Stop-MDA at unprecedented scale: Nigeria’s Abia, Anambra, Enugu, and Imo states met WHO epidemiologic and entomological criteria and stopped MDA effective Jan 2023, representing 18.9 million residents eligible for MDA in the “largest global onchocerciasis stop-treatment decision to date.” (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2)
2) Diagnostic innovation with persistent specificity gaps: Bayesian latent-class analysis (field studies in 2023) suggests newer Ov16 RDTs can exceed sensitivity thresholds for stop-MDA decisions, but none met the WHO specificity benchmark of ≥99.8%, reinforcing the need for confirmatory strategies. (norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 1-3, norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 7-11)
3) Shift to alternative tools where ivermectin is insufficient: Modelling indicates that moxidectin MDA (especially biannual) may be necessary for elimination in hyperendemic settings, motivating implementation research and policy discussions. (kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2)
4) Pipeline maturation: Anti-Wolbachia candidates (e.g., ABBV-4083, AWZ1066S) and direct-acting macrofilaricides (emodepside, oxfendazole) were in Phase I/II development with identified NCT registrations as of 2023. (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10)
5) Recognition of neurological burden and mortality: High epilepsy prevalence and excess mortality in endemic counties (South Sudan) support expert calls to integrate onchocerciasis and epilepsy programs. (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2)
The table below compiles key quantitative parameters for burden, elimination thresholds, and therapeutics/trials.
| Domain | Finding/Threshold | Study/Source (author-year) | Population/Setting | Date | URL/DOI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burden/epidemiology | ~20 million infected; 1.26 million DALYs (95% UI 0.75–1.90 million); ≥248 million people in SSA required MDA | Dixon et al. 2026 | Sub-Saharan Africa / GBD-informed modelling context | 2026-03 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-026-01464-2 | Summarizes recent burden context up to 2024–2025; notes elimination verified in few foci (dixon2026modellingofonchocerciasisassociated pages 1-5) |
| Burden/epidemiology | 1.23 million DALYs attributable to onchocerciasis in 2019 | Stapley et al. 2024 | Global Burden of Disease estimate referenced in OAE model | 2024-07 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50582-9 | Used as burden baseline in modelling OAE prevention impact (stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2) |
| Burden/epidemiology | Epilepsy prevalence 4.1% (range 2.3–7.1%); probable nodding syndrome 1.5% (0.6–2.2%) | Amaral et al. 2025 | 34,019 individuals in 5 onchocerciasis-endemic counties, South Sudan | 2025-06 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013244 | Anti-Ov16 seroprevalence in children 3–9 y was 23.3% (1.4–44.1%) (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2) |
| Burden/epidemiology | Standardized mortality rate 67.6/1,000 PY in persons with suspected epilepsy vs 9.0/1,000 PY in individuals without epilepsy; SMR 6.9 | Amaral et al. 2025 | South Sudan endemic counties | 2025-06 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013244 | Median age at death 20 y in epilepsy vs 38 y in controls (amaral2025highepilepsyprevalence pages 1-2) |
| Burden/epidemiology | Epilepsy prevalence 4.1%; annual incidence 147.6/100,000; epilepsy mortality 323.7/100,000 persons | Fodjo et al. 2024 | 1,355 people in Wulu County, South Sudan | 2024-09 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37537 | Ov16 seroprevalence in children 3–9 y was 15.1%; nodding seizures in 20% of epilepsy cases (fodjo2024epidemiologyofepilepsy pages 1-3) |
| Burden/epidemiology | Predicted epilepsy prevalence 7.6% and incidence 317/100,000 PY | Stapley et al. 2024 | Cameroon-calibrated EPIONCHO-IBM model | 2024-07 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50582-9 | Closely matched observed 8.2% prevalence and 350/100,000 PY incidence (stapley2024modellingonchocerciasisassociatedepilepsy pages 1-2) |
| Burden/epidemiology | OAE prevalence estimated 4.1%; annual ivermectin MDA with ~70% coverage could reduce OAE incidence by >50% within 5 years | Bhattacharyya et al. 2023 | Maridi, South Sudan modelling | 2023-05 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0011320 | Combined vector control + MDA projected to outperform either alone (bhattacharyya2023onchocerciasisassociatedepilepsyin pages 1-2) |
| Burden/epidemiology | Epilepsy incidence fell from 348.8 to 41.7/100,000 PY; nodding syndrome from 154.7 to 10.4/100,000 PY after strengthened control | Jada et al. 2023 | Maridi, South Sudan prospective study | 2023-04 | https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2764415/v1 | After biannual CDTI and “Slash and Clear” vector control; ivermectin uptake still only 56.6% in 2021 (jada2023effectofonchocerciasis pages 1-3) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | Ov16 criterion: seroprevalence <0.1% in children 5–9 y with 95% confidence (95% UCL <0.1%); survey size ≥3,000 children | Ityonzughul et al. 2024 | WHO-aligned stop-MDA decision, Nigeria | 2024-08 | https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080671 | Four Nigerian states met criterion; largest stop-treatment decision to date (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 2-5, ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | Entomology criterion: infective fly prevalence <0.05% by O-150 PCR with 95% confidence; minimum sample 6,000 flies | Ityonzughul et al. 2024 | WHO-aligned stop-MDA decision, Nigeria | 2024-08 | https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080671 | If fewer flies analyzed, ATP criterion may be used instead (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 2-5, ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | ATP criterion: annual transmission potential <20 with 95% confidence when fly sample size is insufficient | Ityonzughul et al. 2024 | WHO-aligned stop-MDA decision, Nigeria | 2024-08 | https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080671 | Alternative to infective-fly prevalence criterion (ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 2-5, ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | WHO TPP thresholds for Ov16 RDTs: sensitivity ≥60% for mapping, ≥89% for stop-MDA; specificity ≥99.8% | Norman et al. 2026 | Bayesian latent class evaluation of Ov16 RDTs | 2026-01 | https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.20.26344416 | Current tests generally fail the 99.8% specificity target needed for stand-alone stop-MDA decisions (norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 3-5, norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 1-3, norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 7-11) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | GADx Ov16 RDT sensitivity 92.0–92.8%; highest median specificity 98.8% | Norman et al. 2026 | Mozambique, Ghana, Benin pooled data | 2026-01 | https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.20.26344416 | Sensitivity exceeds stop-MDA threshold, specificity still below 99.8% benchmark (norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 1-3, norman2026assessingdiagnosticaccuracy pages 7-11) |
| Stop-MDA diagnostics | SD Bioline Ov16 RDT field cost about US$24/person vs US$74/person for skin-snip microscopy | Otabil et al. 2025 | Surveillance costing model, Ghana | 2025-05 | https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.07.24306977 | RDT preferred by participants/technicians; more acceptable and less invasive (otabil2025usabilityacceptabilityand pages 31-35, otabil2025usabilityacceptabilityand pages 11-15, otabil2025usabilityacceptabilityand pages 1-6) |
| Intervention/drug | Biannual moxidectin MDA could halve years to elimination in mesoendemic settings and may be only strategy achieving EoT in hyperendemic areas | Kura et al. 2023 | EPIONCHO-IBM modelling, Africa | 2023-08 | https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2022.0277 | Based on Phase II/III evidence of longer-lasting microfilarial suppression than ivermectin (kura2023canmassdrug pages 1-2) |
| Intervention/drug | Moxidectin 8 mg FDA-approved for onchocerciasis; ocular Mazzotti reactions 12.4% vs 10.2% with ivermectin in phase 3 comparison | Kanza et al. 2024 | DRC, Ghana, Liberia; ivermectin-naïve adults with ≥10 SmfD | 2024-03 | https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-023-06087-3 | mf in anterior chamber changed similarly with moxidectin and ivermectin (kanza2024onchocercavolvulusmicrofilariae pages 1-2) |
| Intervention/drug | Moxidectin vs ivermectin phase 3 trial | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00790998 | Onchocerca volvulus infection | completed; phase 3 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00790998 | Enrollment 1,497; sponsor Medicines Development for Global Health |
| Intervention/drug | Annual or biannual moxidectin vs ivermectin safety/efficacy trial | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03876262 | Onchocerciasis | active, phase 3 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03876262 | Enrollment 323 |
| Intervention/drug | Large safety study of single-dose moxidectin vs ivermectin (with/without LF co-endemicity/albendazole) | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04311671 | Endemic-area participants | completed; phase 3 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04311671 | Enrollment 12,979 |
| Intervention/drug | Moxidectin pediatric PK/safety dose-finding | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03962062 | Children 4–11 years | completed; phase 1 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03962062 | Supports future pediatric registration/use |
| Intervention/drug | Moxidectin MDA implementation study | ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07145736 | Community MDA for onchocerciasis/other NTDs | recruiting; phase 4 | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07145736 | Planned enrollment 52,000 |
| Intervention/drug | Doxycycline 200 mg/day x 6 weeks: ~96% Wolbachia depletion and 99% microfilaria reduction; macrofilaricidal effect ~89% at 2 years when followed by ivermectin+albendazole | Karunakaran et al. 2023 | Anti-Wolbachia therapy review | 2023-03 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2023.1126173 | Recommended by WHO for individual therapy, not MDA; safe in Loa loa co-endemicity because L. loa lacks Wolbachia (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
| Intervention/drug | ABBV-4083 (flubentylosin), phase 2 | Karunakaran et al. 2023 / ClinicalTrials.gov | Adult participants with O. volvulus infection | 2023 context | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04913610 | Anti-Wolbachia candidate; NCT04913610; terminated; enrollment 153 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
| Intervention/drug | AWZ1066S, phase 1 | Karunakaran et al. 2023 / ClinicalTrials.gov | Healthy volunteers / anti-Wolbachia development | 2023 context | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05084560 | Small-molecule anti-Wolbachia candidate; terminated; enrollment 30 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
| Intervention/drug | Emodepside, phase 2 | Karunakaran et al. 2023 / ClinicalTrials.gov | Treatment of onchocerciasis | 2023 context | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05180461 | Direct-acting candidate; active not recruiting; enrollment 578 (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
| Intervention/drug | Oxfendazole, phase 2 | Karunakaran et al. 2023 | Treatment candidate for onchocerciasis | 2023 context | NCT04713787 | Listed as direct-acting candidate in development table (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
| Intervention/drug | High-dose rifampicin / rifampin studied as anti-Wolbachia approach | Karunakaran et al. 2023 / ClinicalTrials.gov | River blindness treatment development | 2023 context | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT00127504 | Earlier rifampin+azithromycin trial completed; high-dose rifampicin study was scheduled in review table (karunakaran2023filariasisresearch– pages 9-10) |
Table: This table compacts recent onchocerciasis evidence across burden, stop-MDA diagnostics, and therapeutic development. It is designed as a quick-reference artifact for knowledge-base population and programmatic decision support.
1) Ontology identifiers (MONDO/ICD/MeSH/Orphanet) were not present in retrieved texts; populate these via direct lookup from the respective databases. 2) Detailed immunopathogenesis (cytokines, cell-specific pathways, ocular lesion subtypes) and validated QoL instruments were not covered in the retrieved evidence; targeted searches in immunology/ophthalmology literature and WHO/CDC clinical guidance would be required. 3) Genetic susceptibility/protective loci were not identified here; if needed, dedicated GWAS/host-genetics searches should be performed.
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(ityonzughul2024theinterruptionof pages 1-2): Cephas Ityonzughul, Adamu Sallau, Emmanuel Miri, Emmanuel Emukah, Barminas Kahansim, Solomon Adelamo, George Chiedo, Samuel Ifeanyichukwu, Jenna E. Coalson, Lindsay Rakers, Emily Griswold, Chukwuemeka Makata, Fatai Oyediran, Stella Osuji, Solomon Offor, Emmanuel Obikwelu, Ifeoma Otiji, Frank O. Richards, and Gregory S. Noland. The interruption of transmission of onchocerciasis in abia, anambra, enugu, and imo states, nigeria: the largest global onchocerciasis stop-treatment decision to date. Pathogens, 13:671, Aug 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080671, doi:10.3390/pathogens13080671. This article has 1 citations.
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