Loa loa filariasis in a tropical savanna area: report of one case in Ouagadougou

Loa loa filariasis is usually found in the forest areas of Central and West Africa. We report a case that was diagnosed in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), a savanna area. The patient lived in Gabon but was visiting his family in Ouagadougou. He complained of fatigue, fever, itchy legs with scratch marks, and intermittent edema of the legs. A blood smear was first examined for malaria parasites, but Loa loa microfilariae were observed. Laboratory tests showed hypereosinophilia (30%). Transient angioedema (Calabar edema) was observed. Loa loa filariasis was diagnosed based on these findings. There were no other laboratory test abnormalities, and ophthalmological examination was normal. The patient received a single dose of ivermectin at 200 microg/kg. After 1 month, the patient's course was favorable and a control blood smear was negative.