Filariasis is a disease caused by round worm parasites (nematode). These are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms, the Wuchereria Brancofti, Brugia Malayi, and Brugia Timori.

1. FILARIASI
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PRESENTER NO. 02

2. INTRODUCTIO
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3. Filariasis
A rare infectious tropical disorder caused by
the round worm parasites (nematode).
Symptoms result primarily from inflammatory
reactions to the adult worms. Some people
may also develop hypersensitivity reactions to
the small larval parasites (microfilariae).

4. Etiology
Filariasis is caused by infection with parasites
classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the
family Filarioidea. There are 3 types of these
thread-like filarial worms.

5. Three parasitic worms that cause Lymphatic Filariasis
Wuchereria bancrofti is a filarial nematode that is
the major cause of lymphatic filariasis, which is
responsible for 90% of the cases.
Wuchereria Bancrofti

6. Brugia Malayi
Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode, one
of the three causative agents of lymphatic
filariasis in humans, which causes most of
the remainder of the cases.

7. Brugia Timori
Brugia Timori is a filarial
nematode which causes the
disease "Timor filariasis", or
"Timorian filariasis".

8. Mode of
Transmission
The transmission of the disease
occurs through mosquito bites, as
the mosquito acts as a carrier from
one person to another.

9. Culex Mosquito
Anopheles Mosquito
Aedes Mosquito

10. Incubation Period
Incubation phase lasts 10-
12 months on average.

11. Filariasis are divided into three groups according to the
part of the body they affect:
• Lymphatic Filariasis is caused by the worms
Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia
timori. These worms occupy the lymphatic system,
including the lymph nodes.

12. • Subcutaneous Filariasis is caused by
Loa loa, Mansonella streptocerca, and
Onchocerca volvulus. These worms
occupy the layer just under the skin.

13. • Serous Cavity Filariasis is caused by the worms
Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi,
which occupy the serous cavity of the abdomen.

14. Risk Factors
• Exposure to mosquitoes for long time and getting bitten by them multiple times.
• People living for a long time in tropical or sub-tropical areas where the disease is
common are at the greatest risk for infection.
• People who used to hunt or fish have increase risk of filarial antigenemia.
• Warm temperature and sweating increase the risk of mosquito bites.

15. Statistics
• According to WHO (2023), 51 million persons were
affected in 2018, representing a 74% decrease since the
start of WHO's Global Programme to Eliminate
Lymphatic Filariasis in 2000.
• Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization said
that more than 120 million individuals worldwide are
infected with lymphatic filariasis, with the disease
disfiguring or crippling 40 million.
• In the Americas,12.6 million individuals are still in danger
of infection, with Haiti accounting for 90% of the total.
• Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in the countries of Brazil,
Haiti, Guyana, and the Dominican Republic.

16. 2. Pathophysiology/Life Cycle

17. Clinical Manifestation
• Lymphedema swelling of limbs,
usually the legs or arms. This
swelling is due to the impaired
flow of lymphatic fluid.

18. • Elephantiasis is more severe
case of lymphedema. This is a
condition wherein there is an
extreme disfiguring swelling of
the limbs, genitalia or breast.

19. • Hydrocele this condition results
in the accumulation of fluid in the
scrotum, causing pain,
discomfort, and an enlarged
scrotum.

20. • Acute Episodes often referred
as “filarial fevers.” During this
episode, patient may report
symptoms such as fever, lymph
node swelling and pain in the
affected limbs.

21. • Skin and Eye Involvement Skin
symptoms include severe itching,
rashes, and the formation of
nodules under the skin. Eye
involvement can lead to vision
impairment and blindness.

22. Dx Test
• Microscopic Examination of Blood Smears
common methods for diagnosing filariasis.
Blood samples are collected, typically during
the night time.

23. • Antigen Detection Tests used to
detect specific filarial antigens in the
patient’s blood.

24. • Skin Snip Test a small section of skin
removed, and the presence of
microfilariae is assessed under a
microscope.

25. • Ultrasound and Lymphoscintigraphy
ultrasound visualized lymphatic abnormalities
while lymphoscintigraphy involves injecting
radiotracer into the lymphatic system.

26. • Serological Tests these test detect
antibodies to filarial parasites in the
patient’s blood.

27. • Chronic Disability
• Recurrent Acute Episodes
Complications
Rare Complications
Common Complications
• Secondary Infections
• Psychological Impact
Severe Complications
• Blindness
• Hydrocele (In Men)

28. Therapeutic Intervention
Medical Treatments:
• Anti-parasitic Medications
• Pain and Infection Management
Surgical Interventions:
• Surgery for Hydrocele
• Lymphatic Surgery

29. Therapeutic Intervention
Lifestyle Modifications:
• Hygiene and Skin Care
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Mosquito Avoidance
• Compression Therapy

30. Therapeutic Intervention
Alternative or Complementary
Therapies:
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
• Herbal Remedies

31. Nursing Management/Intervention
Nursing Assessment
• Comprehensive Evaluation
• Lymphatic Assessment
• Psychosocial Assessment

32. Nursing Management/Intervention
Nursing Interventions
• Medical Administration and Monitoring
• Wound Care
• Patient Education
• Emotional and Psychological Support
• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living

33. Preventions
• Control mosquitoes with indoor residual spraying, bed nets,
and community-based methods.
• Conduct health education campaigns to raise awareness.
• Promote personal protection, including long clothing and
mosquito repellents.
• Encourage proper hygiene and skin care for lymphedema
patients.
• Manage the environment to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

34. ● CDC - Lymphatic Filariasis. (2023).
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/index.html#:~:text=Parasites%20%2D%20Lymphatic%20Filariasis,-
Print&text=Lymphatic%20filariasis%2C%20considered%20globally%20as,fluid%20balance%20and%20fights%20infections.
World. (2023, June).
● Lymphatic filariasis. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-
filariasis
● Travel Health Service Filariasis. (2023). Travelhealth.gov.hk.
https://www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/travel_related_diseases/filariasis.html#:~:text=The%20incubation%20period%20aver
ages%2010,incubation%20period%20averages%201%20year.
● Wuchereria bancrofti (Lymphatic filariasis): Video | Osmosis. (2023). Osmosis.
https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Wuchereria_bancrofti_(Lymphatic_filariasis)
● Maibritt Mardahl, Borup, A., & Nejsum, P. (2019). A new level of complexity in parasite-host interaction: The role of
extracellular vesicles. Advances in Parasitology, 39–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apar.2019.02.003
● Mitchell, C., & https://www.facebook.com/pahowho. (2014). PAHO/WHO | Lymphatic filariasis in the Americas. Pan American
Health Organization / World Health Organization.
https://www3.paho.org/hq/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9471:lymphatic-filariasis-in-the-
americas&Itemid=0&lang=en#gsc.tab=0
● Lymphatic Filariasis. (2018). Paho.org. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/lymphatic-filariasis
● Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Filariasis. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21925-filariasis
● World Health Organization: WHO. (2023, June 1). Lymphatic filariasis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis
● Bronze, M. S., MD. (n.d.). Filariasis Treatment & Management: approach considerations, Pharmacologic therapy.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/217776-treatment?form=fpf
● JMag, R. U. (2020, August 20). RNSpeak. RNspeak | Nursing Journal. https://rnspeak.com/filariasis-nursing-management/
REFERENCES

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