Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms transmitted by mosquitoes, affecting individuals in endemic areas where conditions favor mosquito breeding. Symptoms range from acute inflammation and fever to chronic lymphedema and elephantiasis, leading to significant disability. Diagnosis involves blood tests and imaging, while treatment includes antifilarial medications and symptom management, with prevention strategies focusing on vector control and mass drug administration.

1. FILARIASIS
Ms. Sonam sharma
Asst. professor

2. Definition
• Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an
infection with roundworms of the
Filarioidea type. These worms are spread
by blood-feeding insects such as black flies
and mosquitoes.

3. Environmental triad
• Agent:
Filariasis-causing Parasites
Wuchereria bancrofti Brugia malayi Brugia timori

4. • Host:
– Humans
• Susceptibility: Individuals in endemic areas are at higher risk, especially
those who live in conditions that favor mosquito breeding, such as near
stagnant water.
• Behavioral Factors: Activities that increase exposure to mosquito bites, such
as working or sleeping outdoors, enhance susceptibility.
• Immune Response: The host’s immune response can influence the severity
and progression of the disease.

7. • Environment:
– Factors that Influence Transmission
• Climate: Warm, humid climates are ideal for mosquito breeding
and survival. Tropical and subtropical regions are most affected.
• Water Sources: Stagnant water bodies, such as ponds, ditches,
and poorly drained areas, provide breeding sites for
mosquitoes.

9. • Housing Conditions: Poor housing with inadequate protection
against mosquitoes increases the risk of bites. This includes lack
of window screens, bed nets, and other protective measures.
• Sanitation: Poor sanitation and waste management contribute
to the proliferation of mosquito breeding sites.

11. Symptoms
Acute Stage:
• Lymphadenitis:
– Inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes, often accompanied by
pain.
– Commonly affected areas include the armpits, groin, and neck.

12. • Lymphangitis:
– Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, leading to red streaks on the
skin extending from the infected lymph nodes.
– Fever and chills may accompany this inflammation.

13. • Episodic Fever:
– Recurrent episodes of fever, often coinciding with acute inflammation in the
lymphatic system.

14. • Dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA):
– Acute inflammatory episodes involving the skin and lymph nodes.
– Characterized by fever, chills, pain, and swelling in the affected area, often
with systemic symptoms.

15. Chronic Stage:
• Lymphedema:
– Persistent swelling of the limbs, usually the
legs and arms, due to impaired lymphatic
drainage.
– The skin may become thickened and hard
over time.

16. • Elephantiasis:
– Severe swelling and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, particularly
in the legs, arms, breasts, and genitals.
– The affected areas become extremely enlarged and deformed, leading to
significant disability.

17. • Hydrocele:
– Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum, causing swelling and discomfort in men.
– Can lead to chronic pain and impaired sexual function.

18. • Chyluria:
– Presence of lymphatic fluid in the urine, leading to a milky appearance.
– This condition can cause nutritional deficiencies and kidney damage over time.

19. Other Symptoms
• Skin Changes:
– Thickening, hardening, and cracking of the skin, especially in the affected areas.
– Fungal and bacterial infections may occur due to compromised skin integrity.
• Pain and Discomfort:
– Chronic pain in the affected limbs or genitals, often exacerbated by secondary infections
and inflammation.
• Systemic Symptoms:
– General malaise, fatigue, and reduced physical activity due to chronic pain and
swelling.

20. Diagnosis
• Blood Tests: Detection of microfilariae in the bloodstream, particularly during
the night when they are most abundant.
• Antigen Detection: Immunological tests to detect filarial antigens.
• Ultrasound: To visualize adult worms, especially in the scrotal area.
• X-ray and MRI: Imaging to assess the extent of lymphatic damage.

21. Treatment
• Antifilarial Medications: Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), ivermectin, and
albendazole are commonly used to kill microfilariae and, to some extent, adult
worms.
• Management of Symptoms: Hygiene, exercise, and use of compression garments
to manage lymphedema.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove
fibrous tissue and alleviate symptoms of elephantiasis.

22. Prevention
• Vector Control: Use of insect repellent, mosquito nets, and insecticide spraying to
reduce exposure to mosquito bites.
• Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Community-wide distribution of antifilarial
medications to reduce the prevalence of the infection.