Author's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.
Reviewer's details
- Dr Gboyega Olarinoye
- MBBS, FMCP.
- Dermatologist at FMC Keffi Nassarawa State. Nigeria
Lymphatic Filariasis
Background
Lymphatic filariasis in darker-skinned individuals often manifests as swollen limbs or genitalia, a condition known as elephantiasis, which can lead to significant disfigurement. The infection, caused by filarial worms transmitted through mosquito bites, also causes lymphatic dysfunction, leading to fluid accumulation and painful swelling. Treatment typically involves a combination of anti-filarial medications, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), ivermectin, and albendazole, along with management of secondary infections and lymphatic health through hygiene and compression therapy.
Lesion image
References
- Prof Mark J Taylor, PhD Prof Achim Hoerauf, MD Prof Moses Bockarie, PhD. Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. 2010 October,;376(9747):1175-1185.
- World Health Organization. Neglected tropical diseases. Available at: http://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/en/ Date: 2018. Accessed Nov 19 2024
- By Chelsea Marie , PhD, University of Virginia, William A. Petri, Jr , MD, PhD, University of Virginia School of Medicine. Bancroftian and Brugian Lymphatic Filariasis . 2022; Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-sg/professional/infectious-diseases/nematodes-roundworms/bancroftian-and-brugian-lymphatic-filariasis. Accessed 0215, 2024.
- Dr. Ameyo Dorkenoo, Programme Manager, Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Togo. Africa’s First Generation Free from Lymphatic Filariasis: Togo’s Triumph over an Infectious Disease. 2016; Available at: https://endinafrica.org/news/africas-first-generation-free-from-lymphatic-filariasis-togos-triumph-over-an-infectious-disease/.
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- AU – Hübner, Marc P. AU – Layland, Laura E. AU – Hoerauf, Achim ED – Bruschi, Fabrizio. Lymphatic and Tissue Filariasis. 2014;978(3):1782-8.