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Living with Mansonelliasis

A parasitic infection caused by Mansonella worms, with itching, headache, fever, and joint pain.

Understanding Mansonelliasis

Mansonelliasis is a parasitic infection caused by roundworms (nematodes) of the Mansonella group.

GARD lists M. ozzardi, M. perstans, and M. streptocerca as causes. It can happen at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list, but its summary describes these signs:

  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Joint pain (arthralgia)
  • High eosinophil count (a type of white blood cell)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which test confirms the type of Mansonella infection?
Which specialists, such as infectious disease doctors, should I see?
How can reinfection be prevented?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

It is caused by infection with Mansonella parasites. GARD lists no gene or inheritance pattern.

Infectious

Also known as: acanthocheilonema perstans infection; acanthocheilonemiasis; dipetalonema infection; dipetalonema infections; dipetalonema infectious disease; dipetalonemiasis

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · MansonelliasisGARD ID 8216 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Mansonelliasis.

Explore the Mansonelliasis blog

Explore research for Mansonelliasis

Explore actively recruiting Mansonelliasis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Mansonelliasis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Mansonelliasis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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