Mansonella perstans is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides.
Most infections with this species of Mansonella appear asymptomatic in the clinical presentation. Although, transient subcutaneous swellings, pericarditis, pleuritis, and impaired vision may also occur. Some non-specific symptoms like headache, fever, and fatigue have also been reported. Symptoms are usually related to the migration of the adult worms - but the presence of microfilariae in the eye cause impaired vision.
Other common names (synonyms) for the infection called mansonelliasis - specifically caused by species perstans include:
- Dipetalonema perstans
- Acanthocheilonema perstans
Summary of the General Morphologic Characteristics of the Microfilariae:
| Filarial Agent | Length | Width | Nuclear Column |
| Mansonella perstans | Small (<200 μm in length)
| Small species tend to be about half the width of a red blood cell (RBC) | Compact (dense) |
| Headspace | Tail | Sheath on Giemsa |
| Short | Blunt tail, nuclei densely packed all the way to the tip | Never present |
42. CDC/Moore. Image #1144. "This photomicrograph reveals some of the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by a parasitic, Mansonella perstans, also known as Dipetalonema perstans, microfilaria. M. perstans is one of the pathogens responsible for causing what is known as human lymphatic filariasis." PHIL public domain. Created 1979. Accessed April 6, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=1144 43. CDC/Melvin. Image #21537. "Under a magnification of 875X, this photomicrograph of a blood smear, revealed some of the ultrastructural details of Mansonella perstans microfilaria. Note that the tail was characteristically blunt, and nuclei extended to the tail’s tip." PHIL public domain. Created 1966. Accessed April 6, 2023. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=21537
