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List of Partners vendors. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by tiny parasitic worms spread by mosquitos. While most people don't have any symptoms, the infection can cause painful swelling, particularly in the limbs, that can lead to permanent disability.
More than million people in 73 countries are impacted by the worms, mostly the poorest of the poor in Africa, Asia, and South America. Caitlin M. Most cases of lymphatic filariasis infection don't have any symptoms at all. Those infected with the microscopic worms likely aren't aware that they are infected, but they can still pass on the parasite to others.
When symptoms do occur often years later , they can lead to extensive disfigurement and disability. These symptoms are permanent and can be so debilitating that they keep people from working. The three most visible and concerning manifestations of lymphatic filariasis are lymphedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele. While many people use lymphatic filariasis and elephantiasis interchangeably, it's actually lymphedema that gives the appearance of more elephant-like features. Lymphedema is when there is intense fluid collection and swelling in parts of the body, most often in the legs, breasts, or genitals.
This inflammation can sometimes be accompanied by fever and be quite painful. An estimated 15 million people currently live with lymphedema worldwide, and the majority of those who develop this condition do so years after first becoming infected with the parasite.
Elephantiasis is when the skin and underlying tissues become abnormally thick. This is often the result of secondary bacterial infections that happen because the body's lymphatic system is damaged and their immune system is suppressed due to the parasite.
Some men infected with the parasite develop swelling in their scrotum. An estimated 25 million men worldwide are believed to have hydrocele as a result of lymphatic filariasis.
Most people develop these clinical manifestations years after being infected. The swelling and the decreased function of the lymph system make it difficult for the body to fight germs and infections. Affected persons will have more bacterial infections in the skin and lymph system. This causes hardening and thickening of the skin, which is called elephantiasis.
Many of these bacterial infections can be prevented with appropriate skin hygiene and care for wounds. Men can develop hydrocele or swelling of the scrotum due to infection with one of the species of parasites that causes LF, specifically W. Filarial infection can also cause tropical pulmonary eosinophilia syndrome.
Eosinophilia is a higher than normal level of disease-fighting white blood cells, called eosinophils. This syndrome is typically found in infected persons in Asia. Clinical manifestations of tropical pulmonary eosinophilia syndrome include cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
The eosinophilia is often accompanied by high levels of Immunoglobulin E IgE and antifilarial antibodies. The standard method for diagnosing active infection is the examination of blood under the microscope to identify the microscopic worms, called microfilariae. This is not always feasible because in most parts of the world, microfilariae are nocturnally periodic, which means that they only circulate in the blood at night.
For this reason, the blood collection has to be done at night to coincide with the appearance of the microfilariae in the blood. Serologic techniques provide an alternative to microscopic detection of microfilariae for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis.
Because lymphedema may develop many years after infection, lab tests are often negative with these patients. Some Only four countries in the Region are endemic for lymphatic filariasis: Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Haiti. In Brazil there is only one remaining active focus limited to the metropolitan area of Recife, in Pernambuco state. An elimination plan based on the administration of the antiparasitic drugs has been implemented there , and the country is very close to elimination.
What is lymphatic filariasis? Learn about testing during pregnancy and more. Trichinosis is a disease caused by a roundworm infection. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how to prevent it. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is Elephantiasis? Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.
What are the symptoms of elephantiasis? What causes elephantiasis? Risk factors for elephantiasis. Diagnosing elephantiasis. How is elephantiasis treated? Complications of the condition. Read this next. Lymphatic Dysfunction Lymphedema. Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, M.
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