Chronic parasitic disease, also known as elephantiasis, transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito in areas of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific and South America.
It is caused by infected filarial worms transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
It can be asymptomatic or associated with clinical manifestations such as fever, general malaise, pain and swelling of the lymph nodes and other parts of the body such as the legs and genitals, leading to deformity and excessive enlargement of the tissues.
It is diagnosed by blood tests to determine the presence of the parasite in the blood and antibodies. Ultrasound may also be used to assess the affected lymphatic vessels and tissues.
Treatment includes antiparasitic drugs such as diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin.
Symptomatic measures such as using compression bandages and skin care are also 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.
