Lymphatic filariasis – causes, complaints & therapy

Lymphatic filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a tropical infectious disease. The human lymphatic system is attacked with parasitic worms. Men are considered a special risk group.

What is lymphatic filariasis?

The lymphatic filariasis disease, which occurs mainly in tropical regions. The lymphatic system is affected by the disease. It comes to an infection with certain worms – the so-called filariae. They come from the family of so-called nematodes (nematodes) and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The incubation period is between one month and several years. Lymphatic filariasis is primarily manifested by acute inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and nodes.

There are bouts of fever, symptoms of an asthmatic nature and in the acute phase also to allergic cough. If the disease progresses further, lymphatic filariasis often leads to permanent damage to the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic fluid can no longer drain and so-called lymphatic varices (dilations of the lymphatic vessels and nodes) form. As the lymphatic fluid migrates into the neighboring tissue, lymphedema occurs. In the further course it comes to typical elephantiasis, in which it comes to massive swelling of the chest, genitals and limbs.

Causes

The cause of the development of lymphatic filariasis is an infection with filariae. These are thread-like worms, which come from the family of nematodes. In Southeast Asia, Africa, the Pacific and Central and South America, the pathogen Wuchereria bancrofti occurs, in Southeast Asia also the pathogen Brugia malayi and in Indonesia the pathogen Brugia timori (Indonesia).The pathogens of lymphatic filariasis are transmitted by mosquitoes (so-called anopheles). These mosquitoes have infected themselves in an infected person. In the mosquito’s organism, the larvae mature and then become capable of infection. If humans are now bitten by an infected mosquito, the worm larvae settle in the lymphatic system via the bloodstream and mature into sexually mature filariae there.

They produce further larvae, which lead to the corresponding inflammatory reactions in the acute stage of lymphatic filariasis. After about three to eight months after infection, the microfilariae enter the blood system of the affected person.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of lymphatic filariasis:

  • Bouts of fever

In the acute phase, the growing or adult filariae cause inflammatory-allergic reactions in the entire lymphatic system. Swollen lymph nodes, dilated lymphatic vessels and irregularly recurring bouts of fever (even over several days) are typical signs in the acute phase. Coughing or asthmatic symptoms often occur during this time.

Another sign of the acute phase of this worm disease is the increase in eosinophilic white blood cells in the blood, as well as the formation of special antibodies. In the case of a long-term infestation with filariae and lack of treatment, permanent damage occurs in the lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic fluid can not drain, lymphedema is formed. As a result, there is extreme swelling of the limbs, genitals and chest. The result is the so-called “elephantiasis”. It is also possible that lymphatic filariasis does not cause any discomfort.

Diagnosis

When making a diagnosis, it is important for the doctor whether the patient has been in a vulnerable area. This plays an important role because lymphatic filariasis is a tropical infectious disease. Further diagnosis is based on the characteristic symptoms. A blood analysis is necessary to determine an increased concentration of eusinophilic white blood cells.

In addition, specific antibodies can be detected here. If the lymphatic filariasis is already chronic, the microfilariae can be detected in the blood. The pathogens for lymphatic filariasis penetrate the blood mainly at night, so that a blood sample should also be taken at night. If the diagnosis is made early and therapy begins in good time, the prognosis for the infectious disease is good.

Complications

Filariasis is primarily associated with a very high fever. Furthermore, complications such as severe Exhaustion , tiredness and concentration problems occur. In general, the physical and mental resilience of those affected is significantly reduced. In addition, inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur, which can spread to other parts of the body if the course is severe. A lymph node infection is always associated with pain and feelings of pressure and severe discomfort. In severe cases, filariasis can lead to an asthma attack.

Further breathing difficulties can lead to loss of consciousness, with the risk of a fall and resulting injury. In the case of longer-lasting illnesses, psychological complaints often occur as well. Patients suffer from stress, depression and anxiety, which often persist long after the illness. Drug treatment can occasionally cause side effects such as headaches, problems in the stomach and intestines or fever. The weakened immune system is more susceptible to other diseases or infections after an illness.

Treatment and therapy

All therapeutic measures for the treatment of lymphatic filariasis are primarily aimed at killing the pathogens with the help of so-called anthelmintics (worm medicine). The drugs contain specific toxins that negatively affect the metabolism of the pathogens. So far, good results have been achieved with the active ingredient diethylcarbamazine. The drug must be taken over several days and is administered depending on the patient’s body weight.

The active ingredient diethylcarbamazine can cause side effects such as fever and headaches. Ivermectin is also used to treat microfilariae and albendazole to treat adult pathogens. If microfilariae are found in the lymph structures that have already become encapsulated, they no longer respond to the therapy. In this case, repeat treatment of the lymphatic filariasis is necessary.In the case of lymphatic filariasis, the immune system of those affected is severely weakened. Secondary infections ( bacteria , fungi ) can therefore also occur, which must also be treated. Lymphatic drainage can help against lymphatic congestion. If the lymphedema is already severe, i.e. there is elephantiasis, an operation may be necessary to remove the lymphatic blockage.

Prevention

No vaccine is currently available against lymphatic filariasis . The preventive measures are therefore limited to so-called exposure prophylaxis. Long dresses should be worn in risk areas. The use of mosquito nets, which are impregnated with insect repellent if possible, makes sense. So-called repellents (mosquito-repellent sprays, gels, creams and lotions) can also protect against mosquito bites and thus against lymphatic filariasis.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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