FILARIASIS

Question 1

an insect-borne group of diseases, including those caused by the organisms Wuchereria bancrofti,
Brugia malayi, Loa-loa and Onchocerca volvulus.

Answer 1

Filariasis

Question 2

Classical filariasis; caused by lymphatic-dwelling filariae
transmitted by mosquitoes. Acute clinical symptoms may include recurrent fevers, lymphadenitis (i.e.,
infection of lymph nodes) and retrograde lymphangitis, or tropical pulmonary eosinophilia syndrome
[characterized by nocturnal “asthma”, low-grade fever, and eosinophilia (i.e., high amount of eosinophils, type of white blood cells, in blood)].

Answer 2

Infections caused by Wuchereria and Brugia

Question 3

Transmitted by flies. Loa-loa is characterized by transient swellings and pruritis
(i.e., generalized itch), often with eosinophilia. Onchocerciasis causes fibrous subcutaneous nodules (i.e., small, solid masses beneath the skin that can be felt by touch), pruritis, pigmentation changes, and blindness in severe infections.

Answer 3

Loa-loa and Onchocerciasis

Question 4

Laboratory criteria for diagnosis

Answer 4

Microfilaria-positive, antigen-positive or biopsy-positive clinical specimen.