FILARIASIS
Definition
- Filariasis is a disease caused by infection with filarial parasites, which are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Types
- Lymphatic filariasis (caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori)
- Tissue filariasis (caused by Loa loa, Onchocerca volvulus, Mansonella perstans, and Mansonella streptocerca)
Causes
- Infection with filarial parasites through the bite of an infected mosquito
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Lack of access to healthcare
Clinical Features
- Lymphatic filariasis:
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Elephantiasis (enlargement of the limbs)
- Hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum)
- Chyluria (white blood in the urine)
- Chronic cough
- Weight loss
- Tissue filariasis:
- Calabar swellings (enlargement of the skin)
- Lymphedema (swelling of the limbs)
- Skin lesions
- Eye problems (including blindness)
- Neurological problems
Pathology
- The parasite larvae penetrate the skin and migrate to the lymphatic system
- The larvae cause inflammation and damage to the lymphatic vessels and tissues
- The immune system responds to the infection by producing antibodies and activating immune cells
- The inflammation and scarring caused by the infection can lead to chronic conditions such as elephantiasis
Complications
- Chronic lymphedema and elephantiasis
- Hydrocele and chyluria
- Skin and eye problems
- Neurological problems
- Malnutrition and weight loss
Investigations
- Blood tests to detect the presence of filarial antibodies
- Microscopy to detect the parasite in the blood or lymph fluid
- Imaging tests (such as ultrasound or MRI) to visualize the affected areas
Management
- Preventive measures: using insecticide-treated bed nets, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, and improving sanitation and hygiene
- Treatment with antifilarial medications (such as diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin)
- Surgery to remove affected lymph nodes or to repair damaged tissues
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to manage chronic conditions
Homoeopathic Medicines
- Aconitum napellus: for fever and swelling
- Calcarea carbonica: for lymphedema and elephantiasis
- Graphites: for skin lesions and ulcers
- Pulsatilla: for chronic conditions and lymphatic problems
- Silica: for skin and tissue problems