Immunology of onchocerciasis III. Antibody mediated response to O. volvulus and its relationship to complement activation

Abstract

Chronic infection with the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus is associated with pathological changes including the presence of subcutaneous nodules, dermal atrophy, various forms of dermatitis, and disseminated pruritus. More seriously, invasion of the eye by microfilariae can lead to the development of chorioretinal and optic nerve lesions and anterior segment disease impairing vision and ultimately producing blindness.