[6] Filariasis Flashcards
Under the ultrasound what sign can indicate a Filariasis infection
Dancing Sign
Drug of Choice for Filariasis
Diethylcarbamazine
Albendazole is also used in combination for elimination programs
Annual Mass Drug Administration for Filariasis
Diethylcarbamazine 6mg/kg
Albendazole 400mg
How many times must someone be bitten by an L3-Larvae carrying mosquito to contract Filariasis?
No definite number of times. The important part is the duration of exposure. This is because the degree of illness is proportional to the number of infective larvae inside and they do not multiply in humans.
How long does it take for a Filariatic larva to become an adult?
Approximately 1 year
What is Wolbachia?
Symbiotic endobacteria that infect filarial nematodes
Treatment against Wolbachia
Doxycycline for 4-8 weeks
Wuchureria brancrofti vectors found in breeds in water accumulated in the axils of abaca and banana plants
Aedes peocilus
Brugia malayi vectors that breed in freshwater swamps and rice fields
Mansonia spp.
Blood collection should be performed in this manner to coincide with the appearance of microfilariae
Peripheral blood collection at night
Infective Stage of Filariasis
L3 Larvae
Diagnostic Stage of Filariasis
Microfilariae
Adult Life Span of Filariasis
5-7 Years
How do we get an adult specimen of the worms?
Biopsy and/or lymphatic surgical procedures (UTZ-Guided)
Dominant cytokine response during initial infection of Filariasis
TH2 Cytokine Response: IL4, IL5, IL10
