Harrison's Practice

Lymphatic Filariasis

Definition

  • Filarial worms
    • Threadlike nematode parasites that dwell in subcutaneous tissues and lymphatics
      • Size of adults
        • Male: 4 cm × 0.1 mm
        • Female: 6.5–10 cm × 0.2 mm
      • Microfilariae: 280 × 7 µm
  • Lymphatic filariasis
    • Infection caused by filarial worms
      • Wuchereria bancrofti
      • Brugia malayi
      • Brugia timori
    • Transmitted by mosquitoes
    • Most infections are asymptomatic, but in some cases the living adult worm may cause progressive lymphatic vessel dysfunction and lymphedema.
    • The resulting gross enlargement of limbs or genitals is known as elephantiasis.
    • Forms of filariasis
      • Nocturnally periodic
        • Microfilariae are scarce in peripheral blood by day and increase at night.
      • Subperiodic
        • Microfilariae are present in peripheral blood at all times and reach maximal levels in the afternoon.

Lymphatic Filariasis has been found in Harrison's Practice

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Lymphatic Filariasis
Last updated: March 13, 2008
Content Manager
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