Lymphatic filariasis is parasitic infection of the lymphatic circulation which may result in the deforming disease known as elephantiasis. Elephantiasis (Greek ελεφαντίασις, from ελÎφαντας, the elephant) is a syndrome that is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs and genitals. ...
There are three filarial parasites that are capable of causing lymphatic filariasis:
In endemic areas of the world (e.g., Malaipea in Indonesia), up to 54% of the population may have microfilariae in their blood.[1] Wuchereria bancrofti (named for O.E.H. Wucheria and Joseph Bancroft), a parasitic filarial nematode, affects over 120 million people, and is spread by mosquitoes. ... Brugia malayi magnified Brugia malayi is a filarial worm which causes filariasis in humans. ...
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by identifying microfliariae on a Giemsa stained thick blood film taken between 1900 and 2300. Giemsa stain is used for the histopathological diagnosis of Malaria and other parasites. ...
There are also PCR assays available for making the diagnosis.
Treatment
References
^ Aupali T, Ismid IS, Wibowo H, et al. (2006). "Estimation of the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis by a pool screen PCR assay using blood spots collected on filter paper". Tran R Soc Trop Med Hyg100 (8): 753–9.
Lymphaticfilariasis is a debilitating Blood disease caused by nematode worms.
Lymphaticfilariasis is not life threatening, but it does cause extreme discomfort, swelling of the limbs and genitals, damage to the kidneys and lymphatic system, impairment of the bodys ability to fight infection, and general malaise.
Lymphaticfilariasis is a parasitic worm transmitted by the bites of mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
In tropical and subtropical areas where lymphaticfilariasis is well-established, the prevalence of infection is continuing to increase.
Until very recently, diagnosing lymphaticfilariasis had been extremely difficult, since parasites had to be detected microscopically in the blood, and in most parts of the world, the parasites have a "nocturnal periodicity" that restricts their appearance in the blood to only the hours around midnight.
Lymphaticfilariasis exerts a heavy social burden that is especially severe because of the specific attributes of the disease, particularly since chronic complications are often hidden and are considered shameful.
Feeds |
Contact