Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is
a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease
. It is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos.
Is elephantiasis curable?
Lymphatic filariasis
can be eliminated by stopping the spread of infection
through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine combinations repeated annually. More than 7.7 billion treatments have been delivered to stop the spread of infection since 2000.
What happens if elephantiasis is not treated?
The initial symptom of lymphatic dysfunction is a
mild edema
, which can gradually progress to elephantiasis if not treated. The main symptom of elephantiasis is gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body because of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected.
How long does it take for elephantiasis to develop?
People with congenital lymphatic dysfunction may show symptoms in early childhood. It can also occur with the onset of puberty or in adulthood, even beyond age 35. Symptoms of secondary lymphedema can appear any time after surgery. Most symptoms will appear
within several months to a few years after surgery
.
Can people die from elephantiasis?
Elephantiasis is most often caused by filariasis, a tropical disease. Non-filarial elephantiasis can be the result of a chronic erysipelas infection which can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure and
death if not treated in time
.
What are the symptoms of elephant leg?
The main symptom of elephantiasis is
gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body because
of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant’s leg.
Does filariasis cause itching?
The skin becomes very itchy and a red spotty rash
is often present. Scratching often leads to bleeding, ulcers and secondary infections. The lower trunk, pelvis, buttocks, thighs and legs appear to be the most affected. Microfilariae are the main cause of this dermatitis.
Is elephantiasis hereditary?
The condition variously known as Milroy’s disease, hereditary edema, trophedema and congenital elephantiasis with a familial or
hereditary incidence is so rare
that another instance of it deserves to be recorded.
How can I reduce my filarial swelling?
- Carefully wash and dry the swollen area with soap and water every day.
- Elevate the swollen arm or leg during the day and at night to move the fluid.
- Perform exercises to move the fluid and improve lymph flow.
- Disinfect any wounds.
Which is the most common site of filariasis disease?
- Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type. …
- These parasites exist in the wild in subtropical parts of southern Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and parts of South America. …
- Eight known filarial worms have humans as a definitive host.
How do I get rid of filarial worms?
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
Which type of mosquito causes elephantiasis?
A wide range of mosquitoes can transmit the parasite, depending on the geographic area. In Africa, the most common vector is
Anopheles
and in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia.
What is the incubation period of filariasis?
The incubation period is known as the period between the entrance of the infective larva into the human host and the presentation of clinical symptoms or observable signs. This period of time is completely variable, and can be
as short as 4 weeks or as long as 8-16 months
(Reference 18).
What is the life expectancy of someone with lymphedema?
When the duration of illness is prolonged, the lymphedema may develop into lymphangiosarcoma. The life expectancy of a patient with this condition is limited to
a few months to 2 years
[6], [7].
What does elephantiasis look like?
The main symptom of elephantiasis is
gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body
because of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant’s leg.
What are the symptoms of filarial worms?
This parasite is found most commonly in Africa. Initially people with Acanthocheilonemiasis may have no symptoms. Symptoms may include
itchy skin (pruritis), abdominal pain, chest pain, muscle pain (myalgias), and/or areas of swelling under the skin
.
