Filariasis is a tropical disease caused by parasitic roundworms transmitted via mosquito bites. The larvae migrate to the lymphatic vessels and cause inflammation and obstruction, leading to swelling of the limbs and genitals called elephantiasis. Common symptoms include fever, skin lesions, and swelling. Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect parasite proteins or microfilariae. Treatment uses albendazole or diethylcarbamazine to kill the parasites, along with antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce side effects. While elephantiasis cannot be reversed, its progression can be stopped through treatment and preventing further mosquito bites.

1. OPTOM FASLU MUHAMMEDOPTOM FASLU MUHAMMED

2.  Filariasis is tropical diseases caused by
various thread-like parasitic round worms
(nematodes) and their larvae
 The larvae transmit the disease to
humans through a mosquito bite.

3.  Filariasis is characterized by fever, chills,
headache, and skin lesion in the early
stages
 if untreated, can progress to include
gross enlargement of the limbs and
genitalia in a condition called
elephantiasis

6.  The disease is caused by the adult
worms actually living in the lymphatic
vessels near the lymph nodes where
they distort the vessels and cause
local inflammation .
 In advanced stages, the worms can
actually obstruct the vessels, causing
the surrounding tissue to become
enlarged

7.  Repeated inflammation lead to
blockages of the lymphatic system,
especially in the genitals and legs.
 This causes the affected area to
become grossly enlarged, with
thickened, coarse skin, leading to a
condition called elephantiasis.

8.  In conjunctiva filariasis, the worms'
larvae migrate to the eye
 If untreated, this disease can cause a
type of blindness known as
onchocerciasis.

9.  Symptoms vary, depending on what
type of parasitic worm has caused the
infection .
 But all infections usually begin with chills,
headache
 Fever between three months

10.  Swelling, redness, and pain in the arms,
legs, or scrotum
 Areas of pus (abscesses) may appear as
a result of dying worms or a secondary
bacterial infection

11.  Symptoms caused by the death of the
parasites include fever, headache,
muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea &
vomiting, weakness, dizziness, lethargy,
and asthma.

12.  patient history
 Physical examination
 screening blood specimens for specific
proteins produced by the immune
system in response to this infection.

13.  signs of lymphatic obstruction
 The larvae (microfilariae) can also be
found in the blood,

14.  Albendazole, or Diethylcarbamazine is
used to treat a filariasis (infection by
eliminating the larvae, impairing the
adult worms' ability to reproduce, and
by actually killing adult worms).

15.  The medication is started at low doses to
prevent reactions caused by large
numbers of dying parasites.
 The side effects can be controlled using
antihistamines and anti-inflammatory
drugs corticosteroids

16.  Other common drug reactions include
dizziness, weakness, and nausea.

17.  No treatment can reverse elephantiasis.
 Surgery may be used to remove surplus
tissue and provide a way to drain the
fluid around the damaged lymphatic
vessels

18.  to prevent being repeatedly bitten by
the mosquitoes
 limit outdoor activities at night,
particularly in rural

19.  wear long sleeves and pants and avoid
dark-coloured clothing that attracts
mosquitoes

20. • if sleeping in an open area or in a
room with poor screens, use a bed net
to avoid being bitten while asleep
• use air conditioning, the cooler air
makes insects less active.