Lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by tiny parasitic worms spread by mosquitos. People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis and in men, swelling of the scrotum, called hydrocele. Lymphatic filariasis is a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide Lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.  Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea. The worms can live for approximately 6–8 years and, during their lifetime, produce millions of microfilariae (immature larvae) that circulate in the blood. Microfilariae mature into infective larvae within the mosquito or black fly. When infected mosquitoes bite people, mature parasite larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body. The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adult worms.

1. Welcome
Lymphatic filariasis
Amit mishra
18BPHR0028
amitmishrapci@gmail.com

2. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Etiology
• Symptoms
• Prevention
• Treatment
• Summary

3. Introduction
• Lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, is a neglected
tropical disease caused by tiny parasitic worms spread by mosquitos.
• People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis and in
men, swelling of the scrotum, called hydrocele. Lymphatic filariasis is a
leading cause of permanent disability worldwide
• Lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can
lead to permanent disability.

4. Etiology
• Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as
nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
• The worms can live for approximately 6–8 years and, during their lifetime,
produce millions of microfilariae (immature larvae) that circulate in the blood.
• Microfilariae mature into infective larvae within the mosquito or black fly.
When infected mosquitoes bite people, mature parasite larvae are deposited on
the skin from where they can enter the body.
• The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop into adult
worms.

5. Symptoms
• Most people with lymphatic filariasis are unaware they have it.
• The characteristic swelling can occur in the arms, legs and chest, but also in
the genital areas such as the scrotum and penis, where it is very painful.
• These asymptomatic infections still cause damage to the lymphatic system and
the kidneys and alter the body's immune system.
• Hardening and thickening of the skin (elephantiasis).
• Swelling of the legs, arms, breasts and genitals.

6. Prevention
• Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention.
• The mosquitoes that carry the microscopic worms usually bite between the
hours of dusk and dawn.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.
• Wear long sleeves and trousers.
• Use mosquito repellent on exposed skin between dusk and dawn.

7. Treatment
• Antiparasitic - Ivermectin with albendazole
• Antibiotics – Doxycycline
• Antibiotics - Tetracycline
• Anthelmintic- Albendazole
• Triphala-Guggulu
• Arogya-Vardhini
• Gandhak-Rasayan

8. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
NTDs are a diverse group of tropical infections that are common in low-income
populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
NTDs can be classify roughly into four categories:
• Bacteria
• Helminths (worms or worm-like organisms)
• Protozoa (parasites)
• Viruses.
• They are spread through animals (like bugs), from person to person, or by
consuming or coming into contact with contaminated food or water sources.

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