CALABAR SWELLINGS 299 



It has a short proboscis, the antennfe are longer than the head, the 

 wings have a black band running across them, the eyes are golden 

 green during life, marked with purplish spots. The wings are half 

 open when resting. 



The female bites very severely, causing pain and sometimes inflam- 

 mation with oedema. 



The eggs are deposited upright on leaves and plant stems near 

 water in a single layer. They are whitish or brown in colour. 



The larvce and pupce are not unlike those of the Tabanus. 



The complete life-history is unknown. 



SYMPTOMATOLOGY. 



These are often nil. When the worm is under the conjunciiva 

 there are piercing pains, uncertain vision, and swelling of the eyelids. 



There may be some general itching. 



They may cause painful swellings in various parts, but these are 

 exceptional. The swellings do not suppurate and subside in a few 

 days. 



The blood may sho^\ a marked eosinophilia up to 70 per cent, of 

 the total leucocytes. 



TREATMENT. 



This is symptomatic. 



CALABAR SWELLINGS. 

 DEFINITION. 



Calabar swellings are smooth, temporary, slightly raised tumours 

 about the head, ankles and feet, probably caused by Loa loa and other 

 filarite. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



On the West Coast of Africa only, especially about Southern 

 Nigeria and the Cameroons. 



SYMPTOMATOLOGY. 



It is not certain as to how the lumps originate, but the most likely 

 theories are : — 



(i) That they are the result of the expulsion of microfilariae from 

 the uterus of the parent worm. This would explain their evanescent 

 nature (Manson). 



(2) That they are due to the expulsion of the waste products of 

 the worms. 



The swellings are often painless, the size of half a goose's egg. 



Some of them disappear quickly, others gradually during two to 

 three days. 



