Parasite

Filariasis

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Filariasis, Wucheria

  • Pathophysiology
  1. Mosquito-borne infection
  2. Transmission of one of two organisms
    1. Wucheria bancrofti larvae
    2. Wucheria malayi larvae
  3. Infects Lymphatics
    1. Initially results in lymphatic inflammation
    2. Later scarring and obstruction result in Lymphedema
  • Symptoms
  1. Headache
  2. Photophobia
  3. Vertigo
  4. Fatigue
  5. Low grade fever
  6. Myalgia
  • Signs
  1. Acute
    1. Conjunctivitis
    2. Orchitis
    3. Lymphangitis
    4. Lymphadenopathy
  2. Chronic: Lymphatic and Venous obstruction
    1. Edema distal to obstruction
    2. Hydrocele
    3. Elephantiasis of Breasts, Scrotum, vulva, legs
  • Labs
  1. Stained Blood Film
    1. Microfilariae seen
  2. Complete Blood Count
    1. Eosinophilia