Loiasis in a Japanese Traveler Returning from Central Africa

ABSTRACT

We encountered a probable case of loiasis in a returned traveler from Central Africa. A 52-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital complaining of discomfort in her eyes and skin. She reported having frequently visited Central Africa over many years and having been extensively exposed to the rainforest climate and ecosystem. Although no microfilariae were found in her blood, there was an elevated level of IgG antibodies against the crude antigens of <i>Brugia pahangi</i>, which have cross-reactivity with <i>Loa loa</i>. She was treated with albendazole for 21 days, after which the antigen-specific IgG level decreased and no relapse occurred.