All the filariae have an insect vector integral to their
life cycle and live in pairs within their mammalian
host. The microfilarial offspring of this couple are the
primary source of morbidity. The most important
filarial diseases are filariasis, loiasis, and
onchocerciasis (Table 33-1).
| Table 33-1. Parasitic Infestations of the Skin |
| |
PARASITIC INFESTATION |
|
VECTOR OR MODE OF TRANSMISSION |
| |
Filariasis |
|
Mosquito |
| |
Onchocerciasis |
|
Black fly |
| |
Creeping eruption |
|
Soil contact and larval penetration |
| |
African trypanosomiasis |
|
Tsetse fly |
| |
American trypanosomiasis |
|
Kissing bug |
| |
Leishmaniasis |
|
Sand fly |
| |
Schistosomiasis |
|
Water contact and cercarial penetration |
| |
Dracunculiasis, sparganosis |
|
Ingestion of larva |
| |
Echinococcosis, cysticercosis |
|
Ingestion of cysts |
| |
Amebiasis |
|
Direct contact or ingestion of cysts |
| |
Loiasis |
|
Horse and deer flies |
| |
Demodex |
|
Person-to-person contact in childhood |