Lymphatic filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical parasitic infection caused by nematode parasites of the family Filariodidea, also called simply filarial parasites. The disease is also called elephantiasis due to the typical symptoms where severe lymphoedema causes severe swelling of the extremities. The filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes.

• Epidemiology
  • Endemic in tropical countries
• Pathogenesis
  • Caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti
  • Transmitted by mosquito bite
  • Larvae migrate to lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes and mature there
• Clinical features
  • Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis
  • Elephantiasis (severe lymphoedema of the legs)
  • Hydrocele causing swelling of the scrotum
  • Swelling of the genitals
• Diagnosis – blood smear taken at night
  • Parasite is released from the lymph vessels to the blood at night
• Treatment – Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)