ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neurological complication of loiasis is an uncommon event, and is usually precipitated by treatment especially if microfilaria loads are high. OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual presentation of loiasis with central nervous system involvement. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old farmer of Yoruba origin from Southwestern Nigeria, developed meningoencephalitis from Loa loa, unrelated to antifilarial drug treatment. The presentation was unusual hence there was a slight delay in diagnosis. This case draws attention to L. loa, a neglected filarial, and highlights the unusual manifestation and diagnostic difficulties it can pose even in areas endemic for the infection. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the high mortality associated with L. loa infection when the central nervous system is directly involved.
