Introduction to Filariasis

Overview

• Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type.
• There are several types of filariasis, including lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous filariasis, and serous cavity filariasis.
• The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Types of Filariasis

Lymphatic Filariasis

• Caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
• Commonly leads to the disease known as elephantiasis, characterized by severe swelling in the arms, legs, or genitals.

Subcutaneous Filariasis

• Includes Loa loa (the African eye worm), Mansonella streptocerca, and Onchocerca volvulus.
• Symptoms can include skin rashes, nodules under the skin, and vision impairment.

Serous Cavity Filariasis

• Caused by Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi.
• Typically leads to mild symptoms.

Transmission

• Mosquito vectors are responsible for transmitting the filarial parasites.
• Different mosquito species transmit different types of filariasis.

Diagnosis

• Involves identifying microfilariae in blood samples or skin snips.
• Blood tests are often conducted at night when the parasites are active.

Treatment

• Primarily involves antiparasitic medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and ivermectin.
• Severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve lymphatic obstruction.

Prevention

• Includes mosquito control measures and public health strategies to reduce mosquito breeding.
• Use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying.

Global Impact

• Affects millions of people worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Efforts are ongoing to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem through mass drug administration and preventive chemotherapy.

This summary provides an overview of the key points from the provided source on filariasis, including its types, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and global impact.