Spreading of Filariasis in Human

Causative Organism

Wuchereria bancrofti is the most prevalent causal organism of filariasis; 10% of cases are caused by other species called Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Worldwide, filariasis affects over 120 million people.

Given that China, Indonesia, and India account for two thirds of the afflicted population, India is a major source of filariasis. The most common cause of long-term impairment, according to the WHO, is leprosy, with filariasis coming in second.

Spreading of Filariasis in Human

The mature eggs are transferred into the bloodstream by mosquito bites, and they develop into adult worms over the course of about a year.The sickness is brought on by this adult worm colonizing the lymphatic system.

Acute Presentation Among The Patients Of Filariasis

 The patients will experience fever;  Lymphangitis, characterized by discomfort in the lymph nodes and lymphadenitis;These are all episodic manifestations; for example, the patients may have feverish spells in addition to lymphangitis and lymphadenitis.

Rare Presentation in Filariasis

Palpation of an adult worm in the subcutaneous tissue occurs quite infrequently.

Manifestations by Adult Worm

 Over time, the adult worms cause lymphatic blockage, which results in severe edema of the lower limbs. The lower limb's poor lymphatic drainage is what causes the edema.
Secondary infection is possible due to lymphatic blockage and edema; Streptococcus is the most prevalent cause of secondary infection.

Recurrent Attacks of Lymphangitis

Fibrosis of the lymph channels brought on by recurrent episodes of lymphangitis will result in noticeably enlarged skin and limbs. Elephantiasis is the name given to this illness.

Bilateral Lower Limb Filariasis

In these patients, scrotal and penile elephantiasis are also observed. Bilateral lower limb filariasis is occasionally observed.

In the mild version of the condition, it may damage the respiratory tract and cause a dry cough. The patient will develop hydrocele, chyluria, and chylous ascites secondary to elephantiasis with this chronic lymphatic blockage. Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia is the term for this. A high eosinophil count in the patient's blood can be used to diagnose this. Adult worms are not directly involved in this illness.

Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is brought on by a less severe variation of the respiratory tract illness. An elevated number of Eosinophils in the patient's blood can be used to diagnose this.

Diagnosis Of Filariasis 

Peripheral blood smear tests can be performed at night; patients with elevated Eosinophil counts should undergo blood testing. This assay allowed for the detection of microfilariae in their immature forms.

The nocturnal peripheral blood smear test is necessary for the accurate diagnosis since the immature forms might be detected in the peripheral smear at night.

Treatment Of Filariasis

Diethylcarbamazine is a very successful medication, although it works best while the disease is still in its early stages, before severe abnormalities appear. It is ineffective if administered later in the course of the illness.

Intermittent pneumatic compression is an additional kind of treatment option. It needs to be administered for a long time and only works in the early stages. Patients with fully developed deformities require treatment by plastic surgeons for cosmetic reasons, as most of the time there is no discomfort involved.

Important Questions on Filariasis

Q. What Is The Main Causative Agent Of Filariasis?

Ans. Wuchereria bancrofti is the main causative agent for filariasis.

Q. What Are The Primary Presentations Of Filariasis?

Ans. Episodes of fever, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis are seen in patients.

Q.  What Is Elephantiasis?

Ans. Repeated episodes of lymphangitis will lead to lymph channel fibrosis, which will cause the skin and lymph to swell dramatically. Elephantiasis is the name given to this illness.

Q. What Is The Diagnosis For Filariasis?

Ans. To diagnose filariasis, a nocturnal peripheral smear blood test should be performed. Because the worm's immature forms or microfilariae can only be seen in the smear during this period, this test should only be conducted at night.

Q. What Are The Treatment Option in Filariasis?

Ans. Diethylcarbamazine is a medication that effectively treats filariasis. Intermittent pneumatic compression is an additional course of treatment. Only the early stages of the disease are responsive to both treatments.

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