Lymphatic Filariasis: Disease, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

This assignment delves into lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease impacting the lymphatic system, predominantly in tropical regions. It explores the causative agents, including Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia species, and the role of various mosquito species in transmission. The assignment outlines the disease's progression, leading to lymphatic dysfunction, swelling, and potential disabilities. While often asymptomatic initially, it highlights the chronic and acute conditions, diagnosis methods through serological examinations and blood tests, and the classical symptoms such as skin thickening. The primary treatment approach, as per WHO guidelines, involves eliminating microfilariae using diethylcarbamazine citrate and emphasizes hygiene practices and vector control for prevention. The assignment also references relevant literature, providing a comprehensive overview of this global health concern.

Student name
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Title: Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a disease that attacks the lymphatic system, causing the body
parts to enlarge abnormally, social stigma, pain and severe disability. This disease is
mosquito borne, mostly prevalent in the tropical regions. In Africa it is caused by Wuchereria
bancrofti and Brugia malayi and B. timori in South Eastern Asia1. In urban and pre-urban
settings, Culex and Mansonia species of mosquito are tough to contribute in transmission of
the disease. Filariasis leads to lymphatic dysfunction which causes swelling of genitals and
the limbs, which is progressive and irreversible2. It is the second in causing disabilities in the
world. In most cases this disease exhibits no symptoms but can lead to swelling of breasts,
hydrocele and lymphedema in women.
This disease is asymptomatic, involving chronic and acute conditions, though at this
stage the blood is positive for microfilaria. The victim suffers from inflammation of the
lymphatic vessels, skin and lymph nodes. The classical symptoms of this disease are
thickening of the skin and underlying tissues. Serological examination and blood test are used
to diagnose filariasis3.according to the WHO3, the primary way of treating filariasis removing
the microfilariae from the victims’ blood so as to prevent further transmission. To eliminate
the microfilariae, a single dose of diethylcarbamazine citrate could be used. This dose lasts
for a year. Administering this drug together with another dose is said to be 99 percent
effective. To treat individuals, high degrees of hygiene together with adjunctive measures
reduces the infection and enhance lymph flow by reducing the inflammations. Avoiding
mosquito bites on personal level and vector control for the community are the best measures
to prevent this infection. It is recommended that individuals take periodic examinations and
1 O. Enaenya et al. ‘Environmental suitability for lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria’. The BMC, Vol. 11,
2018, pp. 513. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-3097-9
2 S. Specht, T. Suma and B. Pedrique. ‘Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in South East Asia.’ The
BMJ, Vol. 2019, No. 364, 2019, pp. 5198.
3 WHO. Lymphatic filariasis, [website] 2018.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis. (Accessed on 1/4/2018).

initiate the prescribed medications to prevent manifestation, especially in areas the disease is
endemic4.
4 N. Mendoza, A. Li and S. Tyring. Filariasis: diagnosis and treatment. The NCBI, vol. 22, No. 6,
2009, pp. 475-490.

References
Eneayo, E et al. ‘Environmental sustainability for lymphatic filariasis in Nigeria.’ The BMC,
Vol. 11, pp. 513, 2018. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-3097-9
Specht, S., Suma, T. and Pedrique, B. ‘Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in South East
Asia.’ The BMJ, Vol. 2019, No. 364, 2019, pp. 5198. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k5198
WHO. Lymphatic filariasis, [website] 2018.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lymphatic-filariasis. (Accessed on
1/4/2018).
Mendoza, N., Li A. and Tyring, S. Filariasis: diagnosis and treatment. The NCBI, vol. 22,
No. 6, 2009, pp. 475-490. Doi: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2009.01271.x.