What is Filariasis?
Filariasis is an infectious disease that is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and black flies. It is caused by nematodes belonging to the superfamily of worms, Filarioidea. The disease is prevalent in regions having tropical climates. Based on the part of the body infected, the disease can be classified into three types: Lymphatic filariasis, subcutaneous filariasis, and serous cavity filariasis.
- In lymphatic filariasis, the lymphatic system is infected resulting in blocked lymph vessels and swelled lymph nodes. This is the most common type of filariasis.
- Subcutaneous filariasis is characterized by the infection subcutaneous layer of the skin and corneal portion of the eyes.
- Serous cavity filariasis is characterized by the infected serous cavity of the abdomen.
What Is Filariasis? – Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by some species of nematodes belonging to Filarioidea. This disease is vector-borne and is spread by mosquitoes and black flies. Wuchereria bancrofti is the most famous causal organism of the disease. Filariasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and Central and South America. The disease is a significant public health concern, and efforts to control and eliminate the disease involve a combination of vector control, drug administration, and health education.
Table of Content
- What is Filariasis?
- The Causal Organisms of Filariasis
- Transmission of Filariasis
- Symptoms of Filariasis
- Diagnosis of Filariasis
- Treatment of Filariasis
- Prevention of Filariasis
- Conclusion