Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, also called "river blindness" or "harm prospector", is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus
Treatment
The lumps of adult parasites are identified by imaging techniques (computed tomography or ultrasound) or by microscopic analysis of biopsy sample. The microfilariae are detected in skin biopsies, as often seen directly by observation of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. There is also a technique for detection of the parasite DNA by PCR.
Treatment is with ivermectin against microfilariae, but is not very effective against the adult worm. Used surgical removal of nodules adults. The microfilariae were formerly treated with antiparasitic, which are still used in prevention in endemic areas. However, the discovery that the microfilariae are dependent rickettsiae bacterial endosymbionts existing within their bodies led to the development of therapy with the antibiotic doxycycline, which is now preferable for its lower side effects.
Prevention
The use of clothing that cover most of the skin is desirable, as well as insect repellents and networks. However the eradication of mosquitoes with insecticides is the only long-term measure, and has been practiced in WHO programs in endemic sites, as well as mass drug administration antiparasitic the populations, with good results. Until a few years ago, governments tried to advise people to beware of mosquitoes from the river, but this campaign has led many to abandon the fertile irrigated land and seek other less productive where they often went hungry.