Serous cavity filariasis

Definition
noun
A type of filariasis caused by filarial worms that typically occupy the serous cavity of the abdomen of their host
Supplement
Filariasis is a disease associated with the infection of filariae within the definitive host, e.g. human host. It may be classified into three groups: (1) lymphatic filariasis, (2) subcutaneous filariasis, and (3) serous cavity filariasis.
In serous cavity filariasis, the filariasis is caused by Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi. These roundworms occupy the serous cavity of the abdomen. They are transmitted by midges. Midges are small flies that feed on blood and therefore are important vectors of diseases. One of these diseases is filariasis. Mansonella perstans is found in sub-Saharan Africa, certain parts of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.¹ Mansonella ozzardi is considered as a New World parasite. This nematode is endemic in Central and South America and the Caribbean.²
See also:

• filariasis
• subcutaneous filariasis
• lymphatic filariasis
• nematode
• definitive host
• intermediate host
• filarial

Reference(s):

¹ Simonsen, P.E., Onapa, A.W., & Asio, S.M. (2010). “Mansonella perstans filariasis in Africa”. Acta Tropica 120: S109–S120.

² Medeiros, J. F. et al. 2009. Mansonella ozzardi in Brazil: Prevalence of Infection in Riverine Communities in the Purus Region, in the State of Amazonas. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 31: 169-177.