This presentation discusses elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis. It is caused by filarial worms being transmitted via mosquito bites, infecting the lymphatic system and causing blockages. This leads to swelling of the limbs and genitals. It occurs commonly in areas with poor sanitation. The life cycle involves microfilariae infecting mosquitoes which then transmit the parasite during blood meals. Diagnosis involves identifying the parasite via blood samples, tissues, or clinical symptoms like swelling. Treatment involves preventative drugs and antibiotics, while management focuses on wound care, exercises, and addressing psychological impacts of disfigurement. Complications can include disability, necrosis, and secondary infections if not properly cared for.

1. A
PRESENTATION ON
ELEPHANTIASIS
BY GROUP TEN

2. LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS/ ELEPHANTIASIS
 Definition: Elephantiasis also known as filariasis is
an infection by a filarial worm particularly,
Wuchereria bancrofti resulting in the lymphatic
drainage system obstruction causing swelling of
affected areas.

3. INCIDENCE
 It occurs globally but mostly in countries
with poor sanitation and very common in
West Africa. It is transmitted by a mosquito
bite. In Ghana Anopheles Gambei and an
funanestus species and man for

4. MODE OF TRANSMISSION
 Transmitted through the bit of infected anopheles
/ culex periodicity
 Reservoir: man
 Vector: culex Anopheles mosquito, Anopheles
Gambei / funanestus


5. CAUSATIVE ORGANISM
Wuchereria bancrofti
Brugia malayi
Bancrofti timori

6. INCUBATION PERIOD
3-13 months, depending on ones’
immunity

7. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 Hydrocele
 Adenitis (inflammation of gland)
 Lymphangitis (inflammation of lymph vessels)
 Fever
 Pain
 Breast lymphedema
 Elephantiasis usually is to the distal extremities mostly below the
knees
 Block lymph duct
 Arthritis
 Lesions of spermatic cord

8. IMAGES OF ELEPHANTIASIS

9. LIFE CYLCLE OF
ELEPHANTIASIS

10. Life cycle cont’d
 In West Africa, the disease is transmitted by culex and anopheles
species of mosquitoes. Infected microfilariae invade the lymphatic
system where they develop into adult worms within 3-12 months.
 Adult worms produce more microfilariae that remain in the lymphatic
systems or are carried into the blood stream. The mosquito is
infected when it ingested microfilarie during a blood meal, the
microfilaria develop into effective forms which invades the mouth
parts of the mosquitoes.
 An inflammatory process sets in due to the poor drainage caused by
the worms. Lymphatic inflammation leads to damage in the lymphatic
system leading to thickening and eventual blockage of lymph
drainage. The effected parts – the limbs, genitals – swells and
lymphatic becomes fibroses leading to elephantiasis.


11. DIAGNOSIS
 Definitive diagnosis can be made only by demonstration of the parasite –
adult worm in the lymphatics (rare), micro filariea trapped in tissues, or
microfilariae in blood, urine, hydrocele fluid
 Sampling for blood parasites should take into consideration the periodicity
(at night for nocturnally periodic parasites)
 Parasitological (staining with geimsa or hematoxylin)
 Molecular methods (amplification of Wu bancrofti specific DNA sequences
by PCR)
 Serological methods ( indirect FAT, Kits)
 Clinical (lymphangitis, manifestation of lymphstatis, eosinophilia etc

12. PREVENTION
 Albendazole, invermectin as prophylaxis
every 6-12 months.
 Insecticide treated bed nets

13. TREATMENT
 Ivermectin, Albendazole
 Dose.
 Surgery (excision of adventitious tissue, opening up
pathways for lymph flow.
 Antibiotics for bacterial infections
 Elevation of the limb and use of elastic pressure
bandages

14. NURISNG MANAGEMENT
 Monitor client’s vital signs particularly the
temperature
 Assess skin color and integrity. Note for
wounds, bleeding or any skin changes.
 Assess for any discomfort and pain.
 Provide wound care
 Elevate affected body area to reduce
swelling/

15. NURISNG MANAGEMENT CONT’D
 Administer medications if ordered and discuss them to the
client.
 Provide support to perform basic activities
 Encourage range of motion and simple exercise of the
affected extremities to stimulate lymphatic flow.
 Recognize client’s self –esteem needs
 Provide health teaching and information for continuity of
care

16. COMPLICATIONS
 Disfigurement of body part
 Disability
 Extreme swelling and necrosis
 Blindness
NB. Secondary infection is always possible if care is not
taken.

17. REFERENCES
 Lymphatic filariasis.(2018, February16). Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/news-
room/factsheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis
 Parasites (2013, June 14) Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/parasite/lympaticfilariasis


18. THANK YOU
END OF PRESENTATION