Wuchereria Bancrofti

Question 1

Which form of W Bancrofti actually produces symptoms?

Answer 1

Adult form, NOT microfilarial form

Question 2

Which form of W. Bancrofti do drugs target?

Answer 2

Microfilarial form. there is no drug against adult form yet

Question 3

What does it mean that W. Bancrofti exhibits filarial periodicity?

Answer 3

At certain times are found in circulation:
Diurnal - some are found in the day time
Nocturnal - highest numbers tend to occur at night

Question 4

Where does Filariasis tend to occur on the globe?

Answer 4

Hot humid subtropical regions - West Africa especially, south America, Asia, Pacific

Question 5

Name 2 drugs used in treating filariasis

Answer 5

Doxycycline

Diethylcarbamazine

Question 6

How does W. Bancrofti infection lead to pulmonary eosinophilia?

Answer 6

Ellicits immediate hypersensitivity reaction via release of massive amounts of IgE

Question 7

List the major clinical groups seen in filariasis [5]

Answer 7

1. Asymptomatic amicrofilaremic
2. Asymptomatic microfilaremic
3. Acute presentation [filarial fevers]
4. Chronic presentation [elephantiasis, hydrocele]
5. Atypical pulmonary eosinophilia

Question 8

typical incubation period of w bancrofti?

Answer 8

7months

Question 9

Cytopathologic effects are a result of what factors in W Bancrofti infection? [3]

Answer 9

1. Mechanical irritation due to migration of adult worms
2. Liberation of toxins from dying worms
3. Liberation of toxic metabolites from growing larvae

Question 10

What type of edema is seen in filariasis?

Answer 10

non-pitting

Question 11

Effect of hydrocele on fertility?

Answer 11

None