FILARIASIS
FILARIASIS
A.K.A
Lymphatic Filariasis, Elephantiasis,
Lymphedema, Wucheraria infection
A. Important information
- Often progresses to become
chronic, debilitating and disfiguring
because its symptoms is not only
unfamiliar, they are also
noticeable.
- Because of the patients’ physical
appearance, a social stigma is
attached to it
B. Causative agent:
nematode parasites Wuchereria
bancrofti, brugia malayi, B.timori
- parasites live in the lymphatic
vessels and lymp nodes;
microfilariae are found in the
blood
C. Incubation period:
From the entry of the infective
larvae to the development of
symptoms ranges from 8-16
months.
D. Mode of transmission:
Through bites from an infected
female mosquito, the aedis
poecillus, at night
E. diagnostic/laboratory exams
 Nocturnal Blood Exam(NBE)
- done bet. 10am and 2pm
 Immunochromatographic Test (ICT)
- antigen test is done at daytime
F. Clinical Manifestations
 asymptomatic stage – for years or
even a lifetime; characterized only
by presence of microfilariae in the
blood
 acute stage
 lymphadenitis (inflammation
of the lymph nodes)
 lymphangitis (inflammation of
lymph vessels)
Prepared by: Henessey Auda D. Castillo, Group 4
 male genitalia: funiculitis,
epidydimitis, orchitis (red
painful and tender scrotum)
 chronic stage
 Hydrocoele (swelling of the
scrotum)
 Lymphedema – temporary
swelling of the upper and lower
extremities.
 Elephantiasis – enlargement
and thickening of the skin of the
lower and/or upper extremities,
scrotum and breasts
Complication:
Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia
(TPE) - rare
G. Management
Prevention and control
o Proper drainage and cleanliness of
surroundings.
o Use of insecticides, mosquito nets,
long sleeves, long pants, and
socks.
o Screening of houses
Medical care
o Diethylcarbamazine citrate(DEC) or
Hetrazan - drug of choice;
6mg/KBW taken as a single dose
per year.
o Surgery for elemphantiasis and
hydrocoele
o Antibiotics or antifungal or
superimposed infection.
Nursing care
Nursing care is primarily aimed at
preventing the potential complications
that may develop.
o If possible, elastic stockings or
bandages are applied to the
affected limbs, to assist venous
return and prevent excessive
edema.
o Bedrest may be required in more
severe cases, with elevation of the
involved extremities.
San Beda College - Mendiola
 FILARIASIS

o Suspensory bandages (scrotal

supports) may provide comfort in
the event of hydrocele.
o Clinical observation must include
monitoring for any alteration in
respiratory function.
o Emphasis on regular periodic
follow-up screening, with repeated
treatment as and when indicated.

Prepared by: Henessey Auda D. Castillo, Group 4 San Beda College - Mendiola