Filariasis

Question 1

What are the two broad categories of helminths?

Answer 1

1. Platyhelminths - FLATWORMS
2. Nematodes - ROUNDWORMS

Question 2

What are the different types of platyhelminths?

Answer 2

1. Flukes - THREADSWORMS
2. Cestodes - TAPEWORM

Question 3

What is the collective term for the causative organism of filariasis?

Answer 3

Microfilaria

Question 4

What are the 3 species of microfilaria that cause filariasis?

Answer 4

1. Wucheria Bancrofti
2. Brugia Malayi
3. Brugia Timori

Question 5

Which species of microfilaria accounts for most cases of filariasis?

Answer 5

Wucheria Bancrofti - 90% of cases

Question 6

What is the vector of filariasis?

Answer 6

Mosquito

Question 7

What is the most common presentation of filariasis in men?

Answer 7

Genital presentation - hydrocele

Question 8

How may limb lymphoedema be graded?

Answer 8

Using ISL grading 0 0-III, with grade III being elephantitis

Question 9

What are the clinical presentations of filariasis?

Answer 9

ASYMPTO - hidden damage to kidneys and lymphatic system
ACUTE - ‘filarial fever’ - presenting with pain (abdo), inflamed LNs, fever, N&V
CHRONIC - elephantiasis, hydrocele, enlarged breasts

Question 10

What is the gold standard of Dx of filariasis?

Answer 10

Night-time blood smears (on the basis that the microfilariae have a nocturnal propensity - samples should be collected between 22.00-02.00)

Question 11

Aside from night-time blood smear, how else can filariasis be diagnosed?

Answer 11

1. Serology - IgG1 and IgG4
2. Antigen testing kits available in endemic countries

Question 12

What is the ‘reservoir’ in filariasis?

Answer 12

Humans