Filariasis

Filariasis

1. Definition Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease caused by infection with filarial parasites. It is also known as elephantiasis due to the swollen limbs it can cause.

2. Causes / Etiology The main cause of filariasis is the bite of an infected mosquito, typically the Culex or Anopheles species. The parasites are transmitted through the mosquito's saliva when it bites a person. Infection can also occur through mother to child transmission.

3. Types or Classification There are several types of filarial parasites, each causing different types of the disease:

• Wuchereria bancrofti: This is the most common type of filarial parasite, causing lymphatic filariasis.
• Brugia malayi: This type of parasite causes lymphatic filariasis, which is less common than Wuchereria bancrofti.
• Loa loa: This parasite causes loiasis, a type of filariasis that affects the eyes and skin.
• Onchocerca volvulus: This parasite causes onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, which affects the skin and eyes.

4. Pathology The filarial parasite enters the body through the mosquito's saliva and migrates to the lymphatic system. The parasite then develops into adults and begins to produce microfilariae, which are released into the bloodstream.

Step 1 → Step 2 → Step 3

• Step 1: The microfilariae are ingested by a mosquito when it feeds on the infected person's blood.
• Step 2: The microfilariae develop into larvae inside the mosquito.
• Step 3: The larvae mature into adult parasites, which then begin to produce more microfilariae.

5. Clinical Features General features:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

Specific features:

• Lymphatic filariasis: Swelling of the limbs, genitalia, and breasts
• Loiasis: Redness and swelling of the eyes, skin, and conjunctiva
• Onchocerciasis: Skin lesions, blindness, and itching

6. Complications Acute complications:

• Acute lymphangitis: Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels
• Acute lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes
• Epidemic dropsy: Swelling of the face, neck, and limbs

Chronic complications:

• Chronic lymphedema: Permanent swelling of the limbs
• Chronic skin lesions: Skin damage and scarring
• Eye problems: Blindness, cataracts, and glaucoma

7. Diagnosis / Investigations Routine tests:

• Blood tests: To detect microfilariae in the blood
• Urine tests: To detect microfilariae in the urine

Special tests:

• Lymphoscintigraphy: To evaluate the lymphatic system
• Biopsy: To examine tissue samples for microfilariae

8. Management General management:

• Rest and relaxation: To reduce symptoms and prevent complications
• Pain relief: To manage pain and discomfort
• Wound care: To prevent infection and promote healing

Modern treatment:

• Ivermectin: An antiparasitic medication to kill the adult parasites
• Diethylcarbamazine: An antiparasitic medication to kill the microfilariae
• Surgery: To repair damaged lymphatic vessels and skin

Dietary advice:

• Balanced diet: To maintain overall health and prevent malnutrition
• Avoidance of heavy physical activity: To prevent further damage to the lymphatic system

9. Homeopathic Therapeutics

• Arsenic album: For swelling, pain, and inflammation • Swelling of the limbs • Pain and inflammation • Restlessness and anxiety • Fatigue and weakness • Skin lesions and scarring
• Calcarea carbonica: For chronic symptoms and debility • Chronic fatigue and weakness • Dehydration and dryness • Skin lesions and scarring • Joint pain and stiffness • Hair loss and brittle nails
• Graphites: For skin problems and lymphatic issues • Skin lesions and scarring • Lymphatic swelling and inflammation • Joint pain and stiffness • Fatigue and weakness • Skin dryness and itchiness
• Nux vomica: For neurological symptoms and pain • Headache and dizziness • Numbness and tingling • Pain and inflammation • Restlessness and anxiety • Fatigue and weakness
• Sulphur: For skin problems and odor • Skin lesions and scarring • Skin odor and perspiration • Joint pain and stiffness • Fatigue and weakness • Skin dryness and itchiness