Lymphatic

Filariasis
 OVERVIEW OF LYMPHATIC
FILARIASIS (LF)
 A chronic parasitic infection that affects 856 million
people in 52 countries including the Philippines; 46
provinces are endemic in PH

 Infection caused by thread-like parasitic filarial worms,

which spread in the lymphatic system

 Transmitted from person-to-person through bites from an

infected mosquito

 May cause lymphedema, which is swelling of the limbs,

breasts or genitals, the severe form is elephantiasis

 It is the world’s second leading cause of permanent and

long-term disability
Cause and Transmission
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites
classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family
Filariodidea. There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial
worms:
• Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases
• Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases
• Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.

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 Adult worms nest in the lymphatic vessels and disrupt the normal
function of the lymphatic system. The worms can live for approximately
6–8 years and, during their lifetime, produce millions of microfilariae
(immature larvae) that circulate in the blood.
Mosquitoes are infected with microfilariae by ingesting blood when biting
an infected host. Microfilariae mature into infective larvae within the
mosquito. When infected mosquitoes bite people, mature parasite
larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body.
The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels where they develop
into adult worms, thus continuing a cycle of transmission.
Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted by different types of mosquitoes for
example by the Culex mosquito, widespread across urban and semi-
urban areas, Anopheles, mainly found in rural areas, and Aedes, mainly
in endemic islands in the Pacific.

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+ Clinical Course:
o Acute attacks (fever/chills/headache);
o Chronic Period (enlargement of limbs, scrotum, breast)

+ Diagnostics:
 Nocturnal Blood Exam (blood collection @ 10pm-2am)
 Rapid Dx Test thru Filariasis Test Strip (for detection of
W. bancrofti antigen) and Brugia Rapid Test (for
detection of Brugia malayi antibodies)
Management:
 Mass Drug Administration of Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) +
Albendazole + Ivermectin (2 y.o. and above)
 Selective Treatment for 12 days
 MMDP (Self-care for patients with Lymphedema through proper washing
and drying of infected area, exercise, elevation, footwear, application of
antibac/antifungal cream in entry lesions) Hygiene Promotion is a
priority