Wuchereria Bancrofti Flashcards
Which form of W Bancrofti actually produces symptoms?
Adult form, NOT microfilarial form
Which form of W. Bancrofti do drugs target?
Microfilarial form. there is no drug against adult form yet
What does it mean that W. Bancrofti exhibits filarial periodicity?
At certain times are found in circulation:
Diurnal - some are found in the day time
Nocturnal - highest numbers tend to occur at night
Where does Filariasis tend to occur on the globe?
Hot humid subtropical regions - West Africa especially, south America, Asia, Pacific
Name 2 drugs used in treating filariasis
Doxycycline
Diethylcarbamazine
How does W. Bancrofti infection lead to pulmonary eosinophilia?
Ellicits immediate hypersensitivity reaction via release of massive amounts of IgE
List the major clinical groups seen in filariasis [5]
- Asymptomatic amicrofilaremic
- Asymptomatic microfilaremic
- Acute presentation [filarial fevers]
- Chronic presentation [elephantiasis, hydrocele]
- Atypical pulmonary eosinophilia
typical incubation period of w bancrofti?
7months
Cytopathologic effects are a result of what factors in W Bancrofti infection? [3]
- Mechanical irritation due to migration of adult worms
- Liberation of toxins from dying worms
- Liberation of toxic metabolites from growing larvae
What type of edema is seen in filariasis?
non-pitting
Effect of hydrocele on fertility?
None