Content
Elephantiasis, also known as filariasis, is a parasitic disease, caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, which manages to reach the lymphatic vessels and promotes an inflammatory reaction, causing an obstruction of the flow of lymph and leading to the accumulation of fluid and swelling in some organs, such as the arm, testis, in the case of men, and legs, mainly.
The transmission of the parasite to people occurs through the bite of the mosquito genus Culex sp., known as straw mosquito or mosquito, which is able to transport the larvae of the worm and transmit through the bite. Treatment should be indicated by an infectious disease or general practitioner, and the use of antiparasitic agents, such as Diethylcarbamazine and Ivermectin, is usually recommended in order to eliminate the parasite.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of elephantiasis can appear after several months of infection by the parasite and happen due to the development and spread of the parasite's larvae throughout the body. The main symptoms of elephantiasis are:
- High fever;
- Headache;
- Muscle pain;
- Intolerance to light;
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma;
- Itchy body;
- Pericarditis;
- Increased lymph nodes;
- Swelling of the limbs, such as legs, arms, breasts, testicle or scrotum.
After months to years, if the filariasis is not properly treated, the presence of adult branches in the circulation causes scarring and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, which prevents the flow of lymph and causes accumulations of this fluid in the affected limbs, causing swelling chronic and thickening of the skin, which gives the aspect similar to that of an elephant, which gives rise to the name of the disease.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of elephantiasis is made by the infectologist or general practitioner by observing the signs and symptoms presented, in addition to the need to confirm the diagnosis by carrying out blood tests that help to identify the parasite or the body's immune response.
The diagnosis is not always made in the early stages of the disease, because the disease evolves very slowly over the years, with constant multiplication and spread of the parasite in the body, which can lead to the appearance of signs and symptoms of other diseases.
How transmission occurs
The transmission of elephantiasis occurs when the mosquito bites the person, passing the L3 type larvae, which migrate to the lymphatic vessels and develop into adulthood, with the release of new larvae into the blood and lymphatic circulation.
The person infected with Wuchereria bancrofti it does not pass the parasite on to other people, however if a mosquito bites it, it can become infected and thus transmit the parasite to other people.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of elephantiasis is done with the use of antiparasitic drugs indicated by the doctor, and the use of Diethylcarbamazine or Ivermectin with Albendazole, for example, which are capable of killing the larvae of the filaria and preventing its complications, may be recommended.
However, in some cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to correct the lymphatic system, and to reduce symptoms or complications, when the inflammation has already caused scarring and obstruction of the lymph flow.
Prevention of elephantiasis
The prevention of elephantiasis is done by avoiding contact with transmitting mosquitoes, through measures such as:
- Use of mosquito net to sleep;
- Screens on windows and doors;
- Avoid leaving standing water in tires, bottles and plant pots, for example;
- Use repellent daily;
- Avoid places with flies and mosquitoes;
In addition, it is up to the government to use means to combat flies and mosquitoes such as spraying poisons through the air, such as smoke and basic sanitation measures.