Filariasis is an infectious disease that is common in tropical climates. It is transmitted by mosquito bites and caused by the presence of tiny worms that are invisible to the human eye. These filarial worms infect the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the body’s immune system and its job is to store and carry white blood cells throughout the body to fight infection. Filariasis can cause severe disability and is most common in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Those living with filariasis may have no symptoms at all. In fact, 66% of people living with filariasis don’t have symptoms. However, almost everyone with filariasis will experience a weaker immune system, leading to more frequent infections and sickness. Other common symptoms include:
Parasitic roundworms cause filariasis. Infected mosquitoes who bite humans transfer the roundworms to the humans. There are 3 kinds of roundworms that cause filariasis, with one species in particular (Wuchereria bancrofti) causing the majority of infections.
The big risk factor for filariasis is living in a country where the rate of disease is high for a long period of time.
A doctor has to look at the blood of an infected person to determine if they have filariasis. After taking a blood sample, a medical professional will examine it under a microscope, looking for any worms known to cause filariasis. A doctor may also look for antibodies in the blood. High levels of antibodies indicate that the body has been trying to fight an infection. Antibodies are one of the proteins the immune system makes to defend the body.
Complications of filariasis include:
While there is no cure for filariasis, the side effects like lymphoedema, can be managed. Often times, these symptoms become chronic and severe symptoms can also lead to difficulty doing day-to-day activities.
In addition to medication that kills the worms, filariasis can be treated with surgery. Surgery can help with filariasis by removing the dead worms. It can also be used to treat a swollen scrotum. A medical professional may recommend compression socks or sleeves to help with the swelling in the arms and legs.
There are measures that can be taken to prevent mosquito bites in parts of the world where filariasis is common, such as Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
These include:
To manage the swelling that can happen due to filariasis, it can be helpful to do light exercise, elevate any swollen arms or legs above the heart, and cover any open wounds.