What do you know about filariasis?
Filariasis is an infectious tropical disease caused by any one of several thread-like parasitic round worms. The two species of worms most often associated with this disease are Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. The larval form of the parasite transmits the disease to humans by the bite of a mosquito.
What is the effect of filariasis?
The swelling and the decreased function of the lymph system make it difficult for the body to fight germs and infections. Affected persons will have more bacterial infections in the skin and lymph system. This causes hardening and thickening of the skin, which is called elephantiasis.
How do you manage filariasis?
The recommended regimen for treatment of filariasis is mass drug administration (MDA) in which a single dose of two medicines are given together – albendazole (400 mg) with either ivermectin (150-200 mcg/kg) in areas where onchocerciasis (river blindness) is also endemic or diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) (6 mg/kg ) …
What is the prevention of filariasis?
Refrain from going outdoors at dusk or dawn when the mosquitoes that transmit filariasis are highly active. Cover yourself with long sleeved shirts and trousers. Refrain from sporting strong perfume or cologne which can draw the attention of mosquitoes. Sleep inside an insecticide-treated or plain mosquito net.
Can filaria cause infertility?
Filariasis is accepted as the most common infectious cause of disability. Of several problems, reproductive disturbance and induction of infertility can be seen. Generally, the well-known situation is the filarial orchitis.
Is filariasis a genetic disorder?
The genetics of human susceptibility to lymphatic filariasis, the genetic basis of filarial susceptibility in vector mosquitos, and the genetic constitution of human filarial parasites and their mosquito vectors are reviewed.
Who does lymphatic filariasis affect?
Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in 72 countries throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America. Whereas the disease was once thought to affect only adults, it now appears that most infections are acquired in childhood.
What are the symptoms of microfilaria?
Signs and symptoms
- Fever.
- Inguinal or axillary lymphadenopathy.
- Testicular and/or inguinal pain.
- Skin exfoliation.
- Limb or genital swelling – Repeated episodes of inflammation and lymphedema lead to lymphatic damage, chronic swelling, and elephantiasis of the legs, arms, scrotum, vulva, and breasts.
Who treats filaria?
To prevent inappropriate treatment, consult an infectious disease specialist in all cases of suspected filariasis outside of endemic nations. Other possible consultations include: Urologist. Ophthalmologist.
What is the main cause of elephantiasis?
Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas. Functioning as part of the immune system, the lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease.
What foods to avoid if you have filaria?
Light diet consisting of older jowar, wheat, horse gram, green gram, drum stick, bitter gourd, radish, garlic and older red rice is beneficial. Milk and products, fish, jaggery, sweets and contaminated water must be avoided.
Can filaria be cured?
Since there is no known vaccine or cure for lymphatic filariasis, the most effective method that exists to control the disease is prevention.
What is the pathophysiology of filariasis?
Filariasis refers to parasitic infection caused by filarial parasites. The clinical manifestation and treatment of filariasis depends on the type of filarial parasitic worm (nematode) involved. The following table lists the parasite and the filarial disease caused.
What is the difference between edema and filariasis?
Chronic edema may result in skin that is abnormally thick and has a “warty” appearance. Filariasis is a rare infectious tropical disorder caused by the round worm parasites (nematode) Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi. Symptoms result primarily from inflammatory reactions to the adult worms.
What is anti-parasitic treatment for filariasis?
Anti-parasitic treatment is prescribed after diagnosis is confirmed on a blood smear. Filariasis is a serious medical disorder caused by parasites. The parasites transmitting the infection are Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
How many people are affected by filariasis globally?
It is estimated that 36 million people are severely disfigured due to this infection globally. An Indian study has reported that people affected with filariasis lose almost 29 days of work in a year due to complications of filariasis.