Research & Literature

A community-based cross-sectional study of the epidemiology of onchocerciasis in unmapped villages for community directed treatment with ivermectin in Jimma Zone, southwestern Ethiopia.

Dana D, Debalke S, Mekonnen Z, et al.

BMC public health 2015; (15()):595 doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1888-x.

Human Onchocerciasis: Modelling the Potential Long-term Consequences of a Vaccination Programme.

Turner HC, Walker M, Lustigman S, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2015; (9(7)):e0003938 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0003938.

Diagnosis of O. volvulus infection via skin exposure to diethylcarbamazine: clinical evaluation of a transdermal delivery technology-based patch.

Awadzi K, Opoku NO, Attah SK, et al.

Parasites & vectors 2015; (8()):515 doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1122-9.

Supergroup C Wolbachia, mutualist symbionts of filarial nematodes, have a distinct genome structure.

Comandatore F, Cordaux R, Bandi C, et al.

Open biology 2015; (5(12)):150099.

5) Review of the Biology and Ecology of Adult Blackflies in Relation to the Transmission of Onchocerciasis in Guatemala.

Takaoka H

Tropical medicine and health 2015; (43(Suppl)):71-85 doi:10.2149/tmh.2015-S12.

Doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone for treatment of patients with onchocerciasis.

Abegunde AT, Ahuja RM, Okafor NJ

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2016; CD011146 doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011146.pub2.

Detection of Onchocerca volvulus in Skin Snips by Microscopy and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: Implications for Monitoring and Evaluation Activities.

Thiele EA, Cama VA, Lakwo T, et al.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2016; (94(4)):906-11 doi:10.4269/ajtmh.15-0695.

THE ARTHROPOD-BORNE ONCHOCERCIASIS: IS IT DESERVED TO BE NEGLECTED?.

El-Bahnasawy MM, Morsy AT, Morsy TA

Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 2015; (45(3)):639-54 doi:10.12816/0017932.

Cutaneous onchocerciasis in Dumbu, a pastoral area in the North-West region of Cameroon: diagnostic challenge and socio-economic implications.

Njim T, Ngum JM, Aminde LN

The Pan African medical journal 2015; (22()):298 doi:10.11604/pamj.2015.22.298.7707.

Stage-specific Proteomes from Onchocerca ochengi, Sister Species of the Human River Blindness Parasite, Uncover Adaptations to a Nodular Lifestyle.

Armstrong SD, Xia D, Bah GS, et al.

Molecular & cellular proteomics : MCP 2016; (15(8)):2554-75 doi:10.1074/mcp.M115.055640.

Wolbachia endosymbionts induce neutrophil extracellular trap formation in human onchocerciasis.

Tamarozzi F, Turner JD, Pionnier N, et al.

Scientific reports 2016; (6()):35559 doi:10.1038/srep35559.

River Blindness: Mathematical Models for Control and Elimination.

Basáñez MG, Walker M, Turner HC, et al.

Advances in parasitology 2016; (94()):247-341 doi:10.1016/bs.apar.2016.08.003.

Short-Course, High-Dose Rifampicin Achieves Wolbachia Depletion Predictive of Curative Outcomes in Preclinical Models of Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis.

Aljayyoussi G, Tyrer HE, Ford L, et al.

Scientific reports 2017; (7(1)):210 doi:10.1038/s41598-017-00322-5.

Pre-control relationship of onchocercal skin disease with onchocercal infection in Guinea Savanna, Northern Nigeria.

Murdoch ME, Murdoch IE, Evans J, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2017; (11(3)):e0005489 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0005489.

Crystal Structures of Human GlyRα3 Bound to Ivermectin.

Huang X, Chen H, Shaffer PL

Structure (London, England : 1993) 2017; (25(6)):945-950.e2 doi:10.1016/j.str.2017.04.007.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Following Ivermectin Mass Administration: A Descriptive Study Based on the Democratic Republic of Congo Pharmacovigilance System.

Nzolo D, Anto F, Hailemariam S, et al.

Drugs - real world outcomes 2017; (4(3)):151-158 doi:10.1007/s40801-017-0110-0.

Onchocerca volvulus: The Road from Basic Biology to a Vaccine.

Lustigman S, Makepeace BL, Klei TR, et al.

Trends in parasitology 2018; (34(1)):64-79 doi:10.1016/j.pt.2017.08.011.

O-5S quantitative real-time PCR: a new diagnostic tool for laboratory confirmation of human onchocerciasis.

Mekonnen SA, Beissner M, Saar M, et al.

Parasites & vectors 2017; (10(1)):451 doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2382-3.

Macrofilaricidal Efficacy of Repeated Doses of Ivermectin for the Treatment of River Blindness.

Walker M, Pion SDS, Fang H, et al.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2017; (65(12)):2026-2034 doi:10.1093/cid/cix616.

Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy, an Additional Reason for Strengthening Onchocerciasis Elimination Programs.

Colebunders R, Nelson Siewe FJ, Hotterbeekx A

Trends in parasitology 2018; (34(3)):208-216 doi:10.1016/j.pt.2017.11.009.

Geographical distribution and species identification of human filariasis and onchocerciasis in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.

Ta TH, Moya L, Nguema J, et al.

Acta tropica 2018; (180()):12-17 doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.12.030.

Single dose moxidectin versus ivermectin for Onchocerca volvulus infection in Ghana, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a randomised, controlled, double-blind phase 3 trial.

Opoku NO, Bakajika DK, Kanza EM, et al.

Lancet (London, England) 2018; (392(10154)):1207-1216 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32844-1.

Operationalization of the test and not treat strategy to accelerate the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis in Central Africa.

Kamgno J, Nana-Djeunga HC, Pion SD, et al.

International health 2018; (10(suppl_1)):i49-i53 doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihx051.

Onchocerca volvulus infection and serological prevalence, ocular onchocerciasis and parasite transmission in northern and central Togo after decades of Simulium damnosum s.l. vector control and mass drug administration of ivermectin.

Komlan K, Vossberg PS, Gantin RG, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2018; (12(3)):e0006312 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006312.

Report of the first international workshop on onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.

Colebunders R, Mandro M, Njamnshi AK, et al.

Infectious diseases of poverty 2018; (7(1)):23 doi:10.1186/s40249-018-0400-0.

Adverse events following single dose treatment of lymphatic filariasis: Observations from a review of the literature.

Budge PJ, Herbert C, Andersen BJ, Weil GJ

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2018; (12(5)):e0006454 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0006454.

Imported onchocerciasis in migrants and travelers.

Showler AJ, Nutman TB

Current opinion in infectious diseases 2018; (31(5)):393-398 doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000483.

PCR-coupled sequencing achieves specific diagnosis of onchocerciasis in a challenging clinical case, to underpin effective treatment and clinical management.

Crowe A, Koehler AV, Sheorey H, et al.

Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases 2018; (66()):192-194 doi:10.1016/j.meegid.2018.09.012.

Neurological manifestations in Onchocerca volvulus infection: A review.

Hotterbeekx A, Namale Ssonko V, Oyet W, et al.

Brain research bulletin 2019; (145()):39-44 doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.08.024.

Importance of ivermectin to human onchocerciasis: past, present, and the future.

Cupp EW, Mackenzie CD, Unnasch TR

Research and reports in tropical medicine 2011; (2()):81-92 doi:10.2147/RRTM.S19477.

Economic evaluations of onchocerciasis interventions: a systematic review and research needs.

Turner HC, Walker M, Pion SDS, et al.

Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH 2019; (24(7)):788-816 doi:10.1111/tmi.13241.

Stigma and epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic regions in Africa: a review and recommendations from the onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy working group.

O'Neill S, Irani J, Siewe Fodjo JN, et al.

Infectious diseases of poverty 2019; (8(1)):34 doi:10.1186/s40249-019-0544-6.

A Test-and-Not-Treat Strategy for Onchocerciasis Elimination in Loa loa-coendemic Areas: Cost Analysis of a Pilot in the Soa Health District, Cameroon.

Lenk EJ, Moungui HC, Boussinesq M, et al.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2020; (70(8)):1628-1635 doi:10.1093/cid/ciz461.

Reaching the last mile: main challenges relating to and recommendations to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa.

Gebrezgabiher G, Mekonnen Z, Yewhalaw D, Hailu A

Infectious diseases of poverty 2019; (8(1)):60 doi:10.1186/s40249-019-0567-z.

Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa by 2025: the need for a broad perspective.

Cupp E, Sauerbrey M, Cama V, et al.

Infectious diseases of poverty 2019; (8(1)):50 doi:10.1186/s40249-019-0557-1.

Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Clinical description and relationship with microfilarial density.

Siewe Fodjo JN, Mandro M, Mukendi D, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2019; (13(7)):e0007300 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0007300.

Elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa by 2025: an ambitious target requires ambitious interventions.

Colebunders R, Stolk WA, Siewe Fodjo JN, et al.

Infectious diseases of poverty 2019; (8(1)):83 doi:10.1186/s40249-019-0593-x.

Nodding syndrome research, lessons learned from the NSETHIO project.

Geelhand de Merxem D, Siewe Fodjo JN, Menon S, et al.

Global mental health (Cambridge, England) 2019; (6()):e26 doi:10.1017/gmh.2019.24.

Comparison of Diagnostic Tests for Onchocerca volvulus in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hotterbeekx A, Perneel J, Mandro M, et al.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) 2020; (9(6)) doi:10.3390/pathogens9060435.

Persons with onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and nodding seizures have a more severe form of epilepsy with more cognitive impairment and higher levels of Onchocerca volvulus infection.

Abd-Elfarag G, Carter JY, Raimon S, et al.

Epileptic disorders : international epilepsy journal with videotape 2020; (22(3)):301-308 doi:10.1684/epd.2020.1164.

A Rare Case of Cutaneous Onchocerciasis in North-East India, Review of Literature.

Pasha MM, Patil CC, Tanuja M, Mitra D

Indian dermatology online journal 2020; (11(4)):600-603 doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_555_19.

Differential susceptibility of Onchocerca volvulus microfilaria to ivermectin in two areas of contrasting history of mass drug administration in Cameroon: relevance of microscopy and molecular techniques for the monitoring of skin microfilarial repopulation within six months of direct observed treatment.

Abong RA, Amambo GN, Chounna Ndongmo PW, et al.

BMC infectious diseases 2020; (20(1)):726 doi:10.1186/s12879-020-05444-2.

Ivermectin inhibits extracellular vesicle secretion from parasitic nematodes.

Loghry HJ, Yuan W, Zamanian M, et al.

Journal of extracellular vesicles 2020; (10(2)):e12036 doi:10.1002/jev2.12036.

Doxycycline-Associated Dual Cutaneous Adverse Reaction to the Drug (CARD): Case Report of Concurrent Photosensitivity and Morbilliform Exanthem to Doxycycline.

Jacob JS, Cohen PR

Cureus 2020; (12(11)):e11546 doi:10.7759/cureus.11546.

Nodding syndrome research revisited.

Vieri MK, Hendy A, Mokili JL, Colebunders R

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases 2021; (104()):739-741 doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.02.006.

Establishment of an in vitro culture system to study the developmental biology of Onchocerca volvulus with implications for anti-Onchocerca drug discovery and screening.

Gandjui NVT, Njouendou AJ, Gemeg EN, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2021; (15(2)):e0008513 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0008513.

Development of emodepside as a possible adulticidal treatment for human onchocerciasis-The fruit of a successful industrial-academic collaboration.

Krücken J, Holden-Dye L, Keiser J, et al.

PLoS pathogens 2021; (17(7)):e1009682 doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1009682.

The burden of skin disease and eye disease due to onchocerciasis in countries formerly under the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control mandate for 1990, 2020, and 2030.

Vinkeles Melchers NVS, Stolk WA, van Loon W, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2021; (15(7)):e0009604 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0009604.

"Slash and Clear", a Community-Based Vector Control Method to Reduce Onchocerciasis Transmission by Simulium sirbanum in Maridi, South Sudan: A Prospective Study.

Raimon S, Lakwo TL, Sebit WJ, et al.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) 2021; (10(10)) doi:10.3390/pathogens10101329.

A Reevaluation of the Tolerability and Effects of Single-Dose Ivermectin Treatment on Onchocerca volvulus Microfilariae in the Skin and Eyes in Eastern Ghana.

Opoku NO, Gyasi ME, Doe F, et al.

The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 2021; (106(2)):740-745.

A qPCR to quantify Wolbachia from few Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae as a surrogate for adult worm histology in clinical trials of antiwolbachial drugs.

Schlabe S, Korir P, Lämmer C, et al.

Parasitology research 2022; (121(4)):1199-1206 doi:10.1007/s00436-021-07411-5.

Advancing a Human Onchocerciasis Vaccine From Antigen Discovery to Efficacy Studies Against Natural Infection of Cattle With Onchocerca ochengi.

Zhan B, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Lustigman S

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 2022; (12()):869039 doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.869039.

A call for loiasis to be added to the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases.

Jacobsen KH, Andress BC, Bhagwat EA, et al.

The Lancet. Infectious diseases 2022; (22(10)):e299-e302 doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00064-0.

Evaluation of Non-Invasive Thermal Imaging for Detection of Viability of Onchocerciasis Worms.

Dedhiya R, Kakileti ST, Deepu G, et al.

Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference 2022; (2022()):3518-3521 doi:10.1109/EMBC48229.2022.9871140.

Application of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the detection of Onchocerca volvulus, Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in humans and vectors.

Amambo GN, Innocentia N, Abong RA, et al.

Frontiers in tropical diseases 2023; (3()):1016176 doi:10.3389/fitd.2022.1016176.

Concordance between Ov16 Rapid Diagnostic Test(RDT) and Ov16 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Diagnosis of Onchocerciasis in Areas of Contrasting Endemicity in Cameroon.

Ekanya R, Beng AA, Anim MA, et al.

Parasite epidemiology and control 2023; (21()):e00290 doi:10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00290.

Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy in Maridi, South Sudan: Modelling and exploring the impact of control measures against river blindness.

Bhattacharyya S, Vinkeles Melchers NVS, Siewe Fodjo JN, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2023; (17(5)):e0011320 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011320.

Onchocercoma of the scalp: A case report.

Savadogo I, Ido FAHA, Ouedraogo AS, Ouattara S

IDCases 2023; (33()):e01811 doi:10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01811.

The onchocerciasis hypothesis of nodding syndrome.

Colebunders R, Hadermann A, Siewe Fodjo JN

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2023; (17(8)):e0011523 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011523.

Can mass drug administration of moxidectin accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in Africa?

Kura K, Milton P, Hamley JID, et al.

Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences 2023; (378(1887)):20220277 doi:10.1098/rstb.2022.0277.

Optimized strategy for real-time qPCR detection of Onchocerca volvulus DNA in pooled Simulium sp. blackfly vectors.

Doherty M, Grant JR, Pilotte N, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2023; (17(12)):e0011815 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011815.

Integration of onchocerciasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in the healthcare system in Tanzania: a call for action and recommendations.

Mushi V, Mmbando BP, Colebunders R

Tropical diseases, travel medicine and vaccines 2024; (10(1)):1 doi:10.1186/s40794-023-00211-y.

Elimination of transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness) with long-term ivermectin mass drug administration with or without vector control in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mutono N, Basáñez MG, James A, et al.

The Lancet. Global health 2024; (12(5)):e771-e782 doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00043-3.

Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia.

Kanza EM, Nyathirombo A, Larbelee JP, et al.

Parasites & vectors 2024; (17(1)):137 doi:10.1186/s13071-023-06087-3.

Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy: Charting a path forward.

Van Cutsem G, Siewe Fodjo JN, Hadermann A, et al.

Seizure 2026; (135()):105-114 doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2024.04.018.

Wolbachia and Lymphatic Filarial Nematodes and Their Implications in the Pathogenesis of the Disease.

Setegn A, Amare GA, Mihret Y

Journal of parasitology research 2024; (2024()):3476951 doi:10.1155/2024/3476951.

Accelerating onchocerciasis elimination in humanitarian settings: lessons from South Sudan.

Siewe Fodjo JN, Jada SR, Rovarini J, et al.

International health 2025; (17(2)):128-132 doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihae051.

Predictive immunoinformatics reveal promising safety and anti-onchocerciasis protective immune response profiles to vaccine candidates (Ov-RAL-2 and Ov-103) in anticipation of phase I clinical trials.

Nebangwa DN, Shey RA, Shadrack DM, et al.

PloS one 2024; (19(10)):e0312315 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0312315.

Ivermectin as a promising therapeutic option for onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy.

Manavi MA, Mohammad Jafari R, Shafaroodi H, et al.

Epilepsia open 2025; (10(1)):361-367 doi:10.1002/epi4.13107.

The Spectrum of Ocular Diseases in the Onchocerciasis-Endemic Focus of Raga in South Sudan.

Sube KL, Lako JDW, Tongun JB, et al.

Research and reports in tropical medicine 2024; (15()):111-121 doi:10.2147/RRTM.S481554.

Mass drug administration coverage and its determinants for the elimination of onchocerciasis in Ulanga District, Tanzania.

Mhiche AK, Gasarasi D, Kabona G, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2025; (19(4)):e0012219 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0012219.

Wbm0152, an outer membrane lipoprotein of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi, inhibits yeast ESCRT complex activity.

Berardi L, Colvin A, West M, et al.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology 2025; doi:10.1101/2025.07.21.665852.

Usability, acceptability, and cost of the SD BIOLINE Ov16 rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis surveillance in endemic communities in the middle belt of Ghana.

Otabil KB, Basáñez MG, Ameyaa E, et al.

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 2025; (19(8)):e0012191 doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0012191.

The WHO IRIS APOC Collection: an electronic resource of the OCP and APOC experience and data to inform onchocerciasis elimination strategies.

de Souza DK, Surakat O, Elaagip A, et al.

International health 2026; doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihaf090.

Important entomological events in the history of onchocerciasis ("river blindness").

Mackenzie CD, Post RJ, Boakye DA

International health 2026; doi:10.1093/inthealth/ihag018.

Modelling of onchocerciasis-associated skin and ocular disease and the impact of ivermectin treatment.

Dixon MA, Ramani A, Walker M, et al.

Communications medicine 2026; doi:10.1038/s43856-026-01464-2.