Lymphatic Filariasis | Symptoms | Treatment | Causes.

We will talk about a condition called as Lymphatic Filariasis or commonly called as Elephantiasis.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasites grouped under nematodes which is also called round worms.

The organisms responsible are Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori. The disease has endemicity in many states of India.

WHO has declared the disease as “neglected tropical disease “.

How does the infection occur?
The parasite is transferred through mosquito bite, Micro filaria or larvae moves from skin to circulating blood and Lymphatic system.
Blocks the Lymphatics and cause swelling of legs, hands and genital parts- Scrotum, Breasts etc.

The clinical features presented as Chronic and Asymptomatic, acute causes can present fever, arms, swelling and other symptoms.

The swelling gradually increases recurrent infections occur, finally the limb is deformed.

In chronic cases- Micro filaria stays in the host body for up to 10-15 years, which doesn’t only cause deformity in the patient but also socio- economic crisis due to poverty and isolation.

Earlier diagnosis processes were peripheral blood smear which is tested particularly at night, currently we have circulating filarial antigen, CFA and ELISA tests, there are card tests available too.

Management and prevention:
There are drugs available for lymphatic filariasis, our government has a national programme for eradication of this disease.

Micro filaria survey is done by the government.
Door to door mass drug administration is carried on, de-worming procedures are also in place.

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