Filariasis: Causes, Effects and Prevention

Filariasis is a tropical disease spread through filarial worms. It is most commonly seen in the tropical areas of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. It is believed that cases of filariasis have been around for approximately 4000 years. There are even artifacts from the ancient Egyptians depicting the disease. Filariasis is a serious condition that is usually not noticed until the adult worms die. Although the disease is usually not deadly, it can cause permanent damage to the lymphatic system, kidneys, or any other body part that has been affected by the condition.

The cause of filariasis is filarial nematode worms. There are eight varieties of filarial worms that cause filariasis, divided into three types based on which areas of the body they affect, either the tissues and skin, the lymphatic system, or the stomach, lungs, and heart.

Filarial worms have a complicated lifespan, being first born in a human host, and then removed from the human through a mosquito or other blood-sucking bug.

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Finally, the mature larvae are inserted into a new host when the insect feeds again. Lymphatic filariasis is the most common strain of this disease. It usually affects the lower half of the body, resulting in thick, swollen limbs and, in men, mutated genitalia. Called elephantitis, this condition, if left untreated, can drastically deform the infected individuals until their lower halves are unrecognizable as human. Other forms of filariasis can result in blindness, rashes, abdominalpain, or arthritis-like symptoms. Filariasis can be difficult to diagnose. Because the worms are nocturnal, they only show up in blood drawn at night.

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After a blood test has confirmed the presence of filarial worms, medications can be used to get rid of the worms. Albendazole and Ivermectin are two of the most common medications used as treatment. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can be used to kill the bacteria that live inside the worms, which will also kill the worms. There are ongoing efforts to eradicate filarial worms permanently, preventing millions of infestations every year. The Global Program toEliminate LF is an organization focused on developing ways to treat and prevent additional cases of filariasis, and has already prevented millions of infections, mostly in children. Because the disease is commonly found in poverty stricken areas that are usually lacking adequate health care, developing a vaccination that can be cheaply and easily distributed may be the best chance to stop the further spread of filariasis.

Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis (/ˌɛlɨfənˈtaɪ.əsɨs/ el-i-fən-ty-ə-sis) is a disease that is characterized by the thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, especially in the legs and male genitals. In some cases the disease can cause certain body parts, such as the scrotum, to swell to the size of a softball or basketball.[1] It is caused by filariasis or podoconiosis.

How is Lymphatic Filariasis Spread ?

Lymphatic filariasis is spread 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. People get lymphatic filariasis from the bite of an infected mosquito. The microscopic worms pass from the mosquito through the skin, and travel to the lymph vessels. In the lymph vessels they grow into adults. An adult worm lives for about 5-7 years. The adult worms mate and release millions of microscopic worms into the blood. People with the worms in their blood can give the infection to others through mosquitoes.

What are the Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis?

Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis usually don't appear until after the adult worms die.

Complications of Lymphatic Filariasis

Common complications of lymphatic filariasis are:

  • Bacterial infections in the skin and lymph system
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin
  • Disfigurement
  • Sexual disability

Can Lymphatic Filariasis be Prevented?

The risk of developing lymphatic filariasis can be reduced by: * Administration of medicine that kills microscopic worms that cause lymphatic filariasis * Control mosquito population If you live in an area where lymphatic filariasis is common, apply mosquito repellent to your skin and sleep under a mosquito net.

Can Lymphatic Filariasis be Treated?

Yes. People infected with adult worms can take a yearly dose of medicine that kills the microscopic worms circulating in the blood. The medicine will not kill the adult worms but it does prevent infected people from transmitting the disease to someone else. The adult worms must die on their own.

Updated: Aug 12, 2021
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Filariasis: Causes, Effects and Prevention. (2017, May 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/filariasis-causes-effects-and-prevention-essay

Filariasis: Causes, Effects and Prevention essay
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