RGD uses the Human Disease Ontology (DO, https://disease-ontology.org/) for disease curation across species. RGD automatically downloads each new release of the ontology on a monthly basis. Some additional terms which are required for RGD's curation purposes but are not currently covered in the official version of DO have been added. As corresponding terms are added to DO, these custom terms are retired and the DO terms substituted in existing annotations and subsequently used for curation.
A filariasis that involves parasitic infection caused by the nematode Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of a blackfly of the genus Simulium. The worms spread throughout the body and, when they die, cause intense itching and a strong immune system response that can destroy nearby tissue. The symptoms include pruritus, dermatitis, blindness, onchocercomata (subcutaneous nodules), and lymphadenopathy. (DO)
Synonyms:
exact_synonym:
Onchocerca volvulus infection; Onchocerciases; infection by Onchocerca volvulus; volvulosis