Filariasis
What is the Main Cause of Filariasis??
The main cause of filariasis is the infection by parasitic worms belonging to super family Filarioidea. These are thin thread like worms that primarily infect the lymphatic system of humans however some of these parasites do infect the skin, and the genitals.
How is Filaria Spread?
Filaria is spread through mosquito bites. The filarial worms get into the gut of mosquito when the mosquito bite an infected individual. The worms mature to reach their infective stage within the mosquito and then migrate to its salivary gland.
What are the Symptoms of Filariasis?
Fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, elephantiasis, abdominal discomfort, damaged cornea, etc. are some of the major symptoms of filariasis.
How do you Treat Filaria?
The primary treatment for filariasis involves the use of antifilarial medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or ivermectin. Sometimes supportive measures are taken to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
What is the Test for Filaria?
The diagnostic test for filariasis typical microscopic examination of blood samples to detect the presence of microfilariae i.e. the larval form of the parasitic worms. In some cases, molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also used for accurate detection and identification of filarial parasites.
Can Filariasis cause Death?
Filariasis itself is not fatal but if left untreated it can lead to severe complications like lymphedema, secondary infections, or metabolic constraints that might lead to death or disability in the long run.
What Is Filariasis? – Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by some species of nematodes belonging to Filarioidea. This disease is vector-borne and is spread by mosquitoes and black flies. Wuchereria bancrofti is the most famous causal organism of the disease. Filariasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and Central and South America. The disease is a significant public health concern, and efforts to control and eliminate the disease involve a combination of vector control, drug administration, and health education.
Table of Content
- What is Filariasis?
- The Causal Organisms of Filariasis
- Transmission of Filariasis
- Symptoms of Filariasis
- Diagnosis of Filariasis
- Treatment of Filariasis
- Prevention of Filariasis
- Conclusion