About this topic
Filariasis is a disease caused by roundworms. It is spread by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites the skin of an infected person and becomes infected. Next, the mosquito bites some other person. It passes the young roundworms into the bloodstream. They grow and develop in the blood. The worms spread to the lymph system, which is a system in the body that has vessels and nodes that carry lymph fluid to the blood. This can cause serious problems. ‚
Filariasis needs care right away. Very bad infection may lead to permanent and long-term disability. ‚
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What are the causes?
Filariasis is caused by three kinds of roundworms. An adult worm may live 5 to 7 years inside someones body. These adult worms mate and produce millions of larvae into the blood. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Filariasis is common in tropical areas. People in India, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands are at a higher risk for getting this disease. ‚
What are the main signs?
There are three types of this disease. They depend on where the worms are located. These are: ‚
- Subcutaneous ¢ ˆ ’ The worms stay just under the skin in the subcutaneous fat. It is also known as eye worm because it often travels to the eye. You may have swelling of your skin. You may also have sharp pain or joint pain. If the worm travels to your eye, it may harm your retina.
- Lymphatic ¢ ˆ ’ This is the most common type of the disease. It affects the lymphatic vessels near the lymph nodes. You may have fever and chills. Some people complain of a headache or skin lesions. Others note swelling in the arms, legs, or genitals. The swelling can be very bad with cracked and thick skin that is rough to touch.
- Serous cavity ¢ ˆ ’ The worms stay in the bellys serous space. This is a protein gel-filled space that covers the surfaces of the organs inside the body. This type of filariasis does not show any signs of the disease.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will do an exam and take your history. Your doctor may feel your armpits, groin, neck, or belly for lumps and for any enlarged organs. Your doctor may order blood tests or a skin test. These may help the doctor to learn if you have filariasis. Your blood tests may need to be done at night as this is when the worms are most active. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment for this infection includes: ‚
- Drugs to kill the worms
- Drugs to fight infection
- Avoiding areas that are infested with mosquitos
- Rest
- Elastic stockings to decrease swelling
- Elevating swollen limbs
- Good hygiene like washing with soap and water daily
The doctor may suggest surgery to: ‚
- Remove eye worms
- Remove extra fluid in the body
- Ease the swelling of the scrotum, legs, or arms
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Stop the infection from spreading
- Help with pain
What problems could happen?
- Swelling of the scrotum
- Enlargement and thickening of the skin
- Build-up of fluids due to swelling of the lymph nodes
- Blindness
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Get rid of areas where mosquitoes like to breed. ‚
- Empty unused swimming pools.
- Dump out water that may collect in tires, buckets, or containers.
- Clean or unclog roof gutters.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to remove insects that live in them.
Protect yourself. ‚
- Apply or spray mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Avoid unnecessary activities outside your house.
- Place wire screens in your house windows and doors to keep mosquitoes from going in.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
- Avoid wearing scents like perfume or cologne that may attract mosquitos.
- Use air conditioning if possible. Mosquitos are attracted to warm air.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/116/viewAbstract ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/lymphatic_filariasis/en/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚