What parasite causes lymphatic filariasis?

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea. There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms: Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases. Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases.

How is lymphatic filariasis treated?

The main goal of treatment of an infected person is to kill the adult worm. Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), which is both microfilaricidal and active against the adult worm, is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis. The late phase of chronic disease is not affected by chemotherapy.

Where is lymphatic filariasis most common?

It is most common in tropical Africa and Asia. Lymphatic filariasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease and one of the four main worm infections.

Is lymphatic filariasis fatal?

Although often debilitating, filariasis is rarely fatal. However, secondary bacterial infection of the skin is often characteristic of elephantiasis and may result in death if not treated.

How do people get filarial worms?

How is lymphatic filariasis spread? The disease spreads from person to person by mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites a person who has lymphatic filariasis, microscopic worms circulating in the person’s blood enter and infect the mosquito.

What are the symptoms of filarial worms?

Symptoms may include itchy skin (pruritis), abdominal pain, chest pain, muscle pain (myalgias), and/or areas of swelling under the skin. Other symptoms may include an abnormally enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly), and inflammation in the affected organs.

How do you tell if your lymphatic system is blocked?

Here are the 19 symptoms of a clogged immune system:

1. Swelling in your fingers (rings fitting more tightly?)
2. Feeling stiff and sore when you wake up in the morning.
3. Cold hands and feet.
4. Brain fog.
5. Chronic fatigue.
6. Depression.
7. Bloating.
8. Excess weight.

Which is most common site of filariasis disease?

Filariasis

• Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type.
• These parasites exist in the wild in subtropical parts of southern Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and parts of South America.
• Eight known filarial worms have humans as a definitive host.