Which is the most common site of filariasis disease?

Filariasis is most common in tropical climates. Countries in Asia, Africa and South America have higher cases of filariasis infection.

What is the best treatment for filariasis?

The main goal of treatment of an infected person is to kill the adult worm. Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), which is both microfilaricidal and active against the adult worm, is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis. The late phase of chronic disease is not affected by chemotherapy.

What are the types of filariasis?

These two common types of Filariasis are as following:

  • Lymphatic Filariasis. Here, the lymphatic system especially the lymph nodes are infected by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori.
  • Subcutaneous Filariasis.

Can you get worms in your breast?

Parasitic infection of the breast, though uncommon, is not rare. Presence of cysticercosis, filarial worms, and schistosomiasis have been reported. Since these parasites present as lumps in the breast they are a cause for concern as they are often clinically suspected to be malignant.

How is filariasis detected?

The standard method for diagnosing active infection is the identification of microfilariae in a blood smear by microscopic examination. The microfilariae that cause lymphatic filariasis circulate in the blood at night (called nocturnal periodicity).

How is filariasis diagnosed in the US?

Most infections seen in the U.S. are in immigrants from endemic countries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The diagnosis of filariasis requires examination of a blood smear for the presence of the larval round worm W. bancrofti or B. malayi.

How are patients with filariasis at risk for other parasites?

Patients with filariasis are, by default, at risk for other parasitic infections, because areas endemic for bancroftian filariasis are also endemic for other parasites. After treatment, patients should be monitored for symptoms that are characteristic of parasitic infections.

What is filariasis in biology?

General Discussion. Filariasis is an infectious tropical disease caused by any one of several thread-like parasitic round worms. The two species of worms most often associated with this disease are Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi.

What are the approaches to the treatment of filariasis?

Approach Considerations 1 Medical Management. The medical management of a filarial infection should be specific and based on the microfilariae isolated or antigenemia detected. 2 Surgery. Large hydroceles and scrotal elephantiasis can be managed with surgical excision. 3 Diet and activity. 4 Prevention. 5 Consultations.