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Filariasis - Filariasis symptom, treatment, causes

Filariasis can be defined as the group of diseases found in countries with tropical, and subtropical climates. Filariasis is caused by worms of the Filaroidae family. The species Wuchereria bancrofti is found only in humans. Different species infect other warm-blooded ani-mals (for example dogs, which get heartworm) and a few of these may spread to humans.

Adult wuchereria worms live in human lymphatics (which transport the watery fluid between tissue cells), and microfilariae (larvae) are released by female worms and pass via the lymph into the patient's blood. Mosquitoes and some other blood-sucking insects swallow microfilariac when they bite infected people, and transfer them in biting the next person. In the new host, microfilariae migrate through the veins into the lymphatic vessels, where they mature into adult worms. Inflammation and FIBROSIS (see above) in the vicinity of young and adult worms progressively obstruct the lymphatics.

Filariasis is a mosquito-transmitted parasitic round worm infection transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes and some other blood-sucking insects swallow microfilariac when they bite infected people, and transfer them in biting the next person. The symptoms of filariasis depend on the site affected and the severity of the infection, and may include inflammation of the lymph vessels,swollen lymphgland, accumulation of excess fluid in skin and other parts because their lymphatic drainage is blocked, and inflammation of the testes and epididymes. Filariasis can be defined as the group of diseases found in countries with tropical, and subtropical climates. Those most at risk are people who live in or stay for a long time in tropical areas where the disease is common. Short-term tourists rarely get filariasis. Getting an infection with symptoms usually requires several mosquito bites over a long period of time. The most common type of filariasis is infection with a parasitic worm that lives in the human lymph system. This is called lymphatic filariasis. Both sexes are equally susceptible to infection. Because of different local, cultural, and social work practices, as well as differences in exposure to insect vectors, one sex or the other may be exposed to infection more often. Either ivermectin, albendazole, or diethylcarbamazine is used to treat a filariasis infection by eliminating the larvae, impairing the adult worms' ability to reproduce, and by actually killing adult worms.

Progression of the disease often causes grotesque enlargement of the legs known as elephantiasis. The most spectacular symptom of lymphatic filariasis is elephantiasis. Elephantiasis affects mainly the lower extremities, whereas ears, mucus membranes, and amputation stumps are rarely affected; however, it depends on the species of filaria. Another type of filariasis causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, with infiltrates of worms in chest tissues. River blindness occurs only in central Africa and central America, and is characterised by fibrous nodules containing the worms in the skin and eyes. When the person is bitten by a mosquito, the mosquito can ingest the larvae. These develop in the mosquito and can then be spread to other people via mosquito bites. After a bite, the larvae pass through the skin, travel to the lymph vessels, and develop into adults, which live about 7 years. Then the cycle begins again. Filariasis is diagnosed by finding microfilariae in the blood or lymph. Symptoms can appear 5-18 months after a mosquito bite. The number of infected persons is increasing worldwide, due in large part to unchecked urbanization in many areas where the parasite is common. The medication is started at low doses to prevent reactions caused by large numbers of dying parasites. While effective, the medications can cause severe side effects in up to 70% of patients as a result either of the drug itself or the massive death of parasites in the blood.

Symptoms of Filariasis

The symptoms of wuchereria filariasis depend on the site affected and the severity of the infection, and may include inflammation of the lymph vessels (LYMPHANGITIS),swollen lymphgland (particularly in the armpit and groin), accumulation of excess fluid in skin and other parts because their lymphatic drainage is blocked, and inflammation of the testes and epididymes. Repeated reinfection over a long time may result in the massive swelling and skin-thickening of affected parts known as ELEPHANTIASIS. Some sign and symptoms related to Filariasis are as follows:

• Fever with chills.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• Inflammatory changes develop in the lymphatics and in the lymph nodes.
• Swelling in the area where the adult worms are present.
• Lymphedema.
• Swollen armpit lymph nodes.

Another type of filariasis causes respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, with infiltrates of worms in chest tissues. Oncho-cerciasis (river blindness) occurs only in central Africa and central America, and is characterised by fibrous nodules containing the worms in the skin and eyes.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Filariasis

Filariasis is diagnosed by finding microfilariae in the blood or lymph. Treatment with drugs such as diethylcarbamazine eliminates microfilariae from the blood and usually kills adult worms or prevents them from reproducing. Severe allergic reactions to the dead parasites may occur after treatment. but this can be controlled by antihistamines or CORTICOSTEROID DRUGS. Attempts at preventing filariasis by mass treatment and mosquito control have produced promising results. Here is list of the methods for treating Filariasis:

• Treatment with drugs such as diethylcarbamazine eliminates microfilariae from the blood and usually kills adult worms or prevents them from reproducing.
• Soap and water and skin care to prevent secondary infections.
• Both albendazole and diethylcarbamazine have been shown to be effective in killing the adult-stage filarial parasites.
• Exercising and moving swollen limbs to improve lymph flow.
• Bed rest and compression bandages to treat swelling.
• Surgery may be used to remove surplus tissue and provide a way to drain the fluid around the damaged lymphatic vessels. Surgery may also be used to ease massive enlargement of the scrotum.