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Filariasis, popularly known as elephantiasis or lymphatic filariasis, is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancroftithat can be transmitted to people through mosquito biteCulex quinquefasciatus infected.
The parasite responsible for filariasis is able to develop in the body as it travels to lymphoid organs and tissues, which can cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in various parts of the body, mainly legs, arms and testicles. However, this situation is only noticed months after infection by the parasite, and the person may be asymptomatic during this period.
The treatment for filariasis is simple and should be done according to the doctor's guidance, being indicated the use of antiparasitic and physical therapy with lymphatic drainage when there is involvement of the arms and legs, for example.
Filariasis symptoms
The symptoms of filariasis can take up to 12 months to appear, because the larva transmitted to people needs to develop into its adult form and then start releasing microfilariae. These microfilariae, also known as L1 larvae, develop in the blood and lymphatic stream until the adult worm stage, with the release of more microfilariae.
Thus, as the parasite develops and migrates through the body, it stimulates inflammatory reactions and can promote the obstruction of lymphatic vessels in some organs, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the region, with the accumulation of fluid in the leg being more frequent. or in the testicle, in the case of men.
Thus, it is common for the infected person to remain asymptomatic for months, with signs and symptoms arising when there is a large amount of circulating parasite, the main ones being:
- Fever;
- Headache;
- Chills;
- Accumulation of fluid in the legs or arms;
- Increased testicular volume;
- Increased lymph nodes, especially in the groin area.
The diagnosis of filariasis is made by the general practitioner or infectious disease by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person and the result of tests that aim to identify the presence of circulating microfilariae in the blood, and a blood test is indicated for this. whose collection should be done, preferably, at night, which is the period in which the highest concentration of the parasite in the blood is verified.
In addition to the parasitological blood test, molecular or immunological tests may also be indicated to identify structures of the parasite or the presence of antigens or antibodies produced by the body against the Wuchereria bancrofti. It may also be indicated to perform an image exam, such as ultrasound, in order to check the presence of adult worms in the lymphatic channels.
How the transmission happens
Filariasis is transmitted exclusively through mosquito bitesCulex quinquefasciatus infected. This mosquito, when doing the blood meal, that is, when biting the person to feed on blood, releases larvae of the L3 type into the person's blood stream, which corresponds to the infectious form of the parasiteWuchereria bancrofti.
The L3 larvae in the person's blood migrate to the lymphatic vessels and develop until the L5 stage, which corresponds to the stage of sexual maturity, that is, it corresponds to the adult phase of the person. In this phase, the parasite releases microfilariae and leads to the appearance of the signs and symptoms of filariasis. Better understand how the life cycle ofWuchereria bancrofti.
Treatment for filariasis
The treatment for filariasis is done with antiparasitic agents recommended by the general practitioner or infectious disease who work to eliminate the microfilariae, and the use of Diethylcarbamazine or Ivermectin associated with Albendazole may be recommended.
If adult worm has infiltrated organs, surgery may be recommended to remove excess fluid, this procedure being more recommended in the case of a hydrocele, in which fluid is accumulated in the testis. Learn more about the hydrocele.
In addition, if fluid has been accumulated in another organ or limb, it is recommended that the person rest the affected limb and perform physical therapy sessions with lymphatic drainage, as it is thus possible to recover limb mobility and improve quality of life. .
In some cases it is also possible to have secondary infection by bacteria or fungi, being recommended by the doctor in these cases the use of antibiotics or antifungals according to the infectious agent.
How to prevent
The prevention of filariasis refers to the adoption of measures that help to prevent the bite of the mosquito vector of filariasis. Therefore, it is important to use mosquito nets, repellents and clothes that cover most of the skin. In addition, it is recommended to avoid standing water and accumulation of garbage, as it is possible to reduce the amount of mosquitoes in the environment.