Lymphatic filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne infection caused by filarial nematodes that damage lymphatic vessels and nodes. Chronic disease can cause lymphedema, elephantiasis, and hydrocele.

Wuchereria bancrofti: A filarial nematode responsible for most cases of lymphatic filariasis worldwide. This species causes most infections and is a major cause of hydrocele.
Mass drug administration: The distribution of medicines to an entire at-risk population, regardless of each person’s infection status. Repeated community treatment is central to interrupting transmission.
Lymphedema: Swelling caused by impaired drainage of lymphatic fluid from tissues. Lymphatic damage can produce persistent swelling, often in the limbs.
Onchocerciasis: A filarial infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus and transmitted by blackflies. It is another mosquito-independent filarial disease, but it primarily affects skin and eyes.
Filarial nematode: A parasitic roundworm that lives in the tissues or body fluids of vertebrate hosts. Lymphatic filariasis belongs to the infections caused by this group of worms.
Brugia malayi: A filarial nematode that causes lymphatic filariasis, mainly in parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is one of the principal parasites that can cause this disease.
Diethylcarbamazine: An antiparasitic medicine used to treat several filarial infections. It is a component of lymphatic filariasis treatment and prevention regimens in some settings.
Elephantiasis: Severe enlargement and thickening of a body part, commonly following longstanding lymphatic obstruction. It is a disabling late manifestation of chronic lymphatic filariasis.
Loiasis: A filarial infection caused by Loa loa and transmitted by deer flies in parts of Central and West Africa. Its parasite and vector differ, and treatment decisions can differ substantially.
Mosquito: A flying insect whose females of many species take blood meals and can transmit pathogens. Several mosquito genera serve as intermediate hosts and vectors for filarial parasites.

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