Filariasis (philariasis) is a parasitic disease (usually an infectious tropical disease) that is caused by

thread-like nematodes (roundworms) belonging to the superfamily Filarioidea; transmitted from host to
host by blood-feeding arthropods, mainly black flies and mosquitoes

-also known as "filariae

Filarioidea are a superfamily of nematodes (roundworms).

RISK FACTORS:

Mosquito bites
People who lived in tropical countries
People who lived in a specific area for a long time
Short-term tourist

Eight known filarial nematodes use humans as their definitive hosts. These are divided into three groups
according to the niche within the body they occupy:

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori.
These worms occupy the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes; in chronic cases, these worms
lead to the disease elephantiasis.

Subcutaneous filariasis is caused by Loa loa (the eye worm), Mansonella streptocerca, and Onchocerca
volvulus. These worms occupy the subcutaneous layer of the skin, in the fat layer. L. loa causes Loa loa
filariasis, while O. volvulus causes river blindness.

Serous cavity filariasis is caused by the worms Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi, which
occupy the serous cavity of the abdomen.

microfilaraemic or amicrofilaraemic - Individuals infected by filarial worms

microfilaraemic - Filariasis is diagnosed in this cases primarily through direct observation of

microfilariae in the peripheral blood

amicrofilaraemic - Occult filariasis is diagnosed in this cases based on clinical observations and, in some
cases, by finding a circulating antigen in the blood

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

elephantiasisedema with thickening of the skin and underlying tissues

skin rashes
urticarial papules,
arthritis
hyperpigmentation macules
hypopigmentation macules
 River Blindness
Pruritus
Conjunctivitis
Photophobia
Scrotal Enlargement
Fever associated with adenitis
Chills
Headache
Malaise
Calabar swelling
Abdominal pain

DIAGNOSIS
Geimsa stain
Finger prick test
Complete Blood Count
Urinalysis Test
Skin Snip
Slit-Lamp Examination
Chest radiography
Ultrasonography
Lymphoscintigraphy
Membrane filtration method for microfilaria detection: Venous blood drawn at night and
filtered through millepore membrane filters, enables an easy detection of microfilaria and
quantifies the load of infection

MANAGEMENT
1. Selective Treatment treating individuals found to be positive for microfilariae in nocturnal
blood examination.
Drug: Diethylcarbamazine Citrate
Dosage: 6 mg/kg body weight in 3 divided doses for 12 consecutive days (usually given after
meals)
2. Mass Treatment giving the drugs to all population from aged 2 years and above in all
established endemic areas.
Drug: Diethlcarbamazine Citrate (single dose based on 6 mg/kg body wt) plus Albendazole
400mg given single dose given once annually to people 2 yrs & above living in established
endemic areas
3. Disability Prevention thru home-based or community-based care for lymphedema &
elephantiasis cases. Surgical management for hydrocele patients.

PREVENTION
Sleep under a mosquito net
wear long sleeves and trousers
wear full-length pants
wear socks
 closed windows
use mosquito repellent on exposed skin
Do not keep stagnant waters