Most common questions used to investigate
Do you know what lymphatic filariasis is?
Do you know the cause of this condition?
Are you aware of the transmission mode of this disease?
Do you know how to diagnose this condition?
Are you aware of how this can be treated?
Do you know the best way to avoid this condition?
Common conclusions
Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a painful disease that can disfigure your legs permanently. It can affect people of all ages and this can lead to temporary or permanent damage to your legs. In countries to which this condition is endemic, it can have a major social or economic impact.
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by three worms of the same category called nematode worms. These worms are known as filaria and their scientific names are Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. What essentially happens is that the male and female worms together form nests in the lymphatic system. Since this is an essential system that plays a big role in our immunity and impacts the fluid between balance and body tissues.
The male and female worms lodge in the lymph nodes and the female releases the larvae that circulate in the blood. When these larvae become big they infect the hosts or the person on which the female nested. Mosquitoes feed on these larvae and they act as vectors, transmitting the larvae from one person to another, thereby starting the process again in another person. The mosquito species that spreads this disease is called Mansonia that is confined to a handful of countries like India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The larvae that are spreading inside the blood can be best detected by examining the thick smears of blood pricked from fingers. Typically, the blood should be collected late at night or early in the morning as that's when the larvae tend to be most active. The biggest advantage of this diagnosis is that it is simple, inexpensive, and can be done easily at the individual or community level without requiring much effort.
The treatment includes the removal of larvae from the blood and for this, antifilarial drug treatment should be given. A single dose of albendazole (400 mg) with ivermectin (150–200 μg/kg) is necessary for those living in endemic areas. Other options include a single dose of a combination albendazole (400 mg) plus diethylcarbamazine (6 mg/kg) or DEC (6 mg/kg) alone for 12 days. Besides this medication, managing morbidities and preventing the resulting disabilities requires support from the community.
When you avoid going to places where the mansonia mosquitoes breed, the chances for you to contract this condition is less. If you have to go places that are endemic for this larva and mosquito, avoiding mosquito bites through personal protection measures are necessary to avoid contracting this condition.
Make sure you follow the preventive measures perfectly as this disease can be painful until treated.
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