human host. The larvae will then become adults and will inhabit the peritoneal spaces and adjacent locations. The adults will mate and produce unsheathed microfilariae. These microfilariae will go to the bloodstream. An arthropod will take a blood meal from an infected human and ingest the microfilariae. In the arthropod, the microfilariae will travel from the midgut to the thoracic muscles. In the thoracic muscles, the microfilariae will develop into the first-stage larvae. Later, the microfilariae will further develop into the third-stage larvae. The third-stage larvae will travel from the thoracic muscles to the arthropod's proboscis. This is the stage where the arthropod can infect a human when it takes a blood meal. Transmission M. ozzardi is transmitted by two types of arthropods that feed on the blood of humans: biting midges (genus Culicoides) and blackflies (genus Simulium). In the Caribbean, M. ozzardi uses the biting midge as its intermediate host. The black fly serves as the intermediate host for the filariae parasite in the Amazon Basin and mainland South America. Biting midge The biting midges are small flies that breed on sandy beaches near the sea. Some species also lay their eggs on decaying leaf litter, humus, manure, and partially rotten vegetation, in tree holes, and the cut stumps of banana trees. They feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and humans. Their short mouthparts prohibit them from biting through clothing. As a result, they prefer to feed on the head or other exposed body parts. Blood meals occur throughout the day and night, but biting activity peaks during the early evening. Since individual bites can be painful, they are a cause of concern because they tend to attack in swarms of hundreds or thousands. Due to their small size, they can pass through mesh mosquito nets. Black fly The blackflies are larger blood-sucking flies that breed in fast-flowing streams and rivers. Their larvae can be found attached to submerged vegetation and stones of infected waterways. Blood meals occur during the day in the outdoors, especially along riverbeds. After a meal, the flies rest for 2–3 days on trees and other vegetation to digest the blood. Like the biting midges, blackflies attack their victims in swarms and their bites are painful. The bites may cause swelling, inflammation, and irritation that may last for weeks. Pathology Symptoms The pathogenicity of M. ozzardi needs further research. Although the adult worms