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Patient Case: Lymphatic Filariasis

Discussion

Chief Complaint: "My legs have been swelling up over the past few months, and I feel really tired all the time."

History of Present Illness:
A 40-year-old male presents with complaints of progressively worsening swelling in both of his legs, particularly after long periods of standing or walking. He describes the swelling as more prominent at the end of the day and gradually worsening over the last six months. He also reports feeling more fatigued than usual, with episodes of feeling weak and sluggish.

The patient mentions having lived in a rural area near a river for several years, where he frequently encountered mosquito bites while working outdoors. He recalls experiencing occasional itching and mild pain in his legs during the past few months but did not seek treatment until the swelling became more pronounced. He has no history of fever, joint pain, or recent weight loss.

Physical Examination:

  • Bilateral, non-pitting edema in both legs, extending from the feet to the knees
  • Palpable, firm lymph nodes in the inguinal region
  • No skin ulcers or signs of infection
  • No fever or other systemic symptoms

Diagnosis:
Based on the clinical findings of lymphedema (leg swelling) and the patient's history of mosquito bites in an endemic area, lymphatic filariasis is suspected. This disease is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori, and is transmitted through mosquito bites. The filarial worms block lymphatic vessels, leading to chronic lymphedema and elephantiasis in the affected limbs.

Management Plan:

  • Antiparasitic treatment: Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) to kill microfilariae and adult worms
  • Symptomatic treatment: Compression stockings, leg elevation, and pain relief with NSAIDs
  • Lymphedema management: Regular cleaning and moisturizing of the affected legs to prevent secondary infections
  • Patient education:
    • Use of insect repellent and bed nets to prevent mosquito bites
    • Emphasizing the importance of completing the full course of DEC treatment

The patient is scheduled for follow-up to monitor his condition and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

Questions
  1. What is the most likely cause of this patient’s symptoms?
    a) Loa loa
    b) Wuchereria bancrofti
    c) Onchocerca volvulus
    d) Ancylostoma duodenale
  2. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of lymphatic filariasis?
    a) Chronic swelling of the lower limbs (lymphedema)
    b) Painful ulcers on the skin
    c) Migratory subcutaneous nodules
    d) Severe joint pain and swelling
  3. How is lymphatic filariasis most commonly transmitted to humans?
    a) By direct contact with an infected person
    b) Through mosquito bites carrying microfilariae larvae
    c) By drinking contaminated water
    d) By ingesting undercooked meat
  4. What is the first-line treatment for lymphatic filariasis in this patient?
    a) Ivermectin
    b) Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
    c) Albendazole
    d) Topical corticosteroids
Reveal answers

Answers

  1. (b) Wuchereria bancroftiWuchereria bancrofti is the most common causative organism of lymphatic filariasis, causing lymphatic obstruction, leading to lymphedema and elephantiasis.
  2. (a) Chronic swelling of the lower limbs (lymphedema) – Lymphedema, or the chronic swelling of the limbs, is a hallmark of lymphatic filariasis and often leads to the progressive condition of elephantiasis if untreated.
  3. (b) Through mosquito bites carrying microfilariae larvae – Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted via mosquito bites, where infected mosquitoes introduce microfilariae larvae into the bloodstream, which then mature into adult worms that obstruct lymphatic vessels.
  4. (b) Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) – Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is the drug of choice for treating lymphatic filariasis, as it kills microfilariae and adult worms, reducing the symptoms and parasite load.

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