It is a chronic parasitic disease, also known as elephantiasis, transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes in areas of Asia, Africa, Western Pacific and South America.
It is caused by infection with filarial worms transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
It may be asymptomatic or associated with clinical manifestations such as fever, malaise, pain and swelling of lymph nodes and different parts of the body such as the legs and genitalia, leading to deformity and excessive tissue enlargement.
Diagnosis includes blood parasite determination tests, antibodies and imaging tests such as ultrasound to evaluate lymphatic vessels and affected tissue.
Treatment includes antiparasitic drugs such as diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin. In addition, measures of symptomatic management, such as the use of compressive bandages and skin care, are recommended.
- Nutman TB, Kazura J. Filariasis linfática. En: Enfermedades infecciosas tropicales: Principios, patógenos y práctica, 3.ª ed., Guerrant R, Walker DH, Weller PF (Eds), Saunders Elsevier, Filadelfia 2011. p.729.
- Local Burden of Disease 2019 Neglected Tropical Diseases Collaborators. The global distribution of lymphatic filariasis, 2000-18: a geospatial analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2020; 8:e1186.
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parasites - Lymphatic Filariasis. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/treatment.html
- Andrade LD, Medeiros Z, Pires ML, et al. Comparative efficacy of three different diethylcarbamazine regimens in lymphatic filariasis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1995; 89:319.
- King CL, Suamani J, Sanuku N, et al. A Trial of a Triple-Drug Treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis. N Engl J Med 2018; 379:1801.
