Filariasis

Get the facts on Filariasis treatment, diagnosis, staging, causes, types, symptoms. Information and current news about clinical trials and trial-related data, Filariasis prevention, screening, research, statistics and other Filariasis related topics. We answer all your qestions about Filariasis.

Question: Filariasis? Protein and DNA vaccines

Answer: Unfortunately, you cannot create a vaccine for filariasis. This is because the condition is not caused by a virus, or even by bacterium, but by one of three parasites: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. Wikipedia says: ******** Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic and infectious tropical disease, caused by the thread-like parasitic filarial worms, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, all transmitted by mosquitoes. It is extremely rare in Western countries. Loa loa is another filarial parasite of humans, transmitted by the deer fly. In 1866, Otto Wucherer demonstrated the presence of microfilariae, or filarial larvae, in urine. In 1871, Timoth Lewis discovered the presence of microfilariae in peripheral blood; later, in 1876, Joseph Bancroft discovered the adult form. Finally in 1878, Patrick Manson observed the development of W. bancrofti in mosquitoes. Filariasis is endemic in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. The most spectacular symptom of lymphatic filariasis is elephantiasis (thickening of the skin and underlying tissues), which was the first disease discovered to be transmitted by insects. Elephantiasis is caused when the parasites lodge in the lymphatic system. Elephantiasis affects above all the lower extremities, whereas ears, mucus membranes, and amputation stumps are rarely affected; however, it depends on the species of filaria. W. bancrofti can affect the legs, arms, vulva, breasts, while Brugia timori rarely affects the genitals. Infection by Onchocerca volvulus and the migration of its microfilariae through the cornea is a major cause of blindness (Onchocerciasis). ******** For more info, follow one of these links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filariasis http://www.indianjurol.com/showBackIssueâ€¦

Question: Can anybody tell me the treatment for filariasis (elephantiasis)? If possible, please give me the address of a DOCTOR, who is a specialist for filariasis. I am located in CHENNAI. Thanks for the answers.

Answer: The National Filariasis Control Programme distributes Diethyl carbomazine (DEC) and Albendazole tablets to kill the filaria as a measure to both prevent and treat the population. The hospital here is the location of the medical camps held for treatment periodically. The Public Health doctors are in charge of the local filariasis program and can both have you treated in their public clinics or recommend a private specialist near you they know personally. Also listed is the entomologist of the health department for questions about the mosquito vector in the area you live. A private specialist would first test your blood to see if you carry the parasite, then treat the disease. Wither you have or your family carry the parasite or not at this time, the preventative measures for the mosquito that carries it and periodic use of the medicines above remove it should you contract it. This is available at the public health clinics free of charge. The standard procedure around the world where this disease is endemic is to treat the people periodically with DEC to remove the parasite from their blood stream as a public health measure which is what the control program is doing in your area. Your best information and referral for your needs are through these experts below who are local specialist in the public health control of the disease themselves. .............................. Chennai, Dec. 27 With the onslaught of mosquitoes in Chennai, the Chennai Corporation on Thursday has embarked upon the filariasis eradication programme (FEP) on a large scale with the administration of diethyl carbomazine (DEC) tablets to three lakh residents in the city. Inaugurating the initiative for slum-dwellers in Sathyavani Muthu Nagar off Munroe Statue, Mayor M Subramanian said that DEC and Albendazole tablets will be given to 2.74 lakh people in the 63 divisions where cases of filariasis have been reported during a random check in the last two years. The divisions include six in Tondiarpet, one in Basin Bridge, nine in Pulianthoppe, five in Ayanavaram, 12 in Kilpauk, nine in Ice House, five in Nungambakkam, three in Kodambakkam, eight in Saidapet and seven in Mylapore. A sum of Rs 10 lakh has been allocated for the programme. State Labour Minister T M Anbarasan distributed tables to prevent the infection at a one-day medical camp at Annai Anjugam Hospital in Pallavaram as a part of the drive. The Minister, who represents the local constituency, said that residents should follow the advice given by health officials and take tablets accordingly. He added that the people should also be responsible and keep their surroundings clean in order to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes in the locality. E Karunanidhi, chairperson of the local body, said that the Municipality aims to cover 1,64,000 residents. On an average, one health official would be in charge of distributing tablets to 50 persons. A total of 695 volunteers from self-help groups (SHGs) would be involved in the drive along with the officials. "More than a hundred residents of Rajaji Nagar (Ward No 8) have received the tablets and we hope to cover the rest within a day or two," he added. The drive is being con ducted by the State Government as a part of the National Filariasis Control Programme Diethyl carbomazine (DEC) and Albendazole tablets will be adminis tered to three lakh residents in the city On an average, one Health official will be in charge of distributing tablets to a group of 50 residents in a locality. - Bureau report http://www.chennaionline.com/ The Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine is responsible for the implementation of various National and State Health Programmes. This Department also plans and implements measures to prevent the occurrence of communicable diseases thereby reducing the burden of morbidity morality and disability in the state. The activities undertaken by the department of public Health and Preventive Medicine are provisions of primary health care,which includes Maternity and Child Health Services, Immunisation of children against vaccine preventable diseases,control of communicable diseases,control of malaria, filaria, japanese encephalitis, elimination of leprosy, iodine deficiency disorder control programme, prevention of food adulteration, health checkup of school children, health eduction of the community and collection of vital statistics under birth and death registration system and environmental sanitation. Prevention and control of waterborne diseases like Acute Diarrheal Diseases, Typhoid, Dysentry prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV / AIDS. http://www.tnhealth.org/dphpm.htm S.NO. NAME DESIGNATION PHONE NOS OFFICE EXTN RESIDENCE 1 Dr.P. Padmanaban Director of PH & PM 24320802(D) 24323942(F) 24335075 203 9381014264 24420054 2. Dr. R.Balasubramaniam Additional Director of PH & PM 24335075 223 9942040501 3 Dr.S. Ganesan Joint Director (TRG) 24335075 236 9940610125 Mrs. Alamelu Mohan Senior Entomologist (FILARIA) 24335075 261 26153320 http://www.tnhealth.org/dphstoff.htm

Question: Why would it be a radical mastectomy instead of elephantiasis? While walking down the street, you and your friend see an elderly woman whose left arm appears to be swollen to several times its normal size. Your friend remarks that the woman must have been in the tropics and contracted a form of filariasis that produces elephantiasis. You disagree, saying that it is more likely that the woman had a radical mastectomy (removal of a breast because of cancer). Explain the rationale behind your answer.

Answer: It is not either, it can be the result of a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Here is some info on this subject. The condition is called Lymphedema Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later. It can also develop when chemotherapy is unwisely administered to the already affected area (the side on which the surgery was performed) or after repeated aspirations of a seroma (a pocket of fluid which occurs commonly post-operatively) in the axilla, around the breast incision, or groin area. This often causes infection and, subsequently, lymphedema. Aircraft flight has also been linked to the onset of lymphedema in patients post-cancer surgery (likely due to the decreased cabin pressure). For more information, see the NLN Position Paper on Air Travel (pdf format, 231kb). Another cause of lower extremity lymphedema is that resulting from the use of Tamoxifen. This medication can cause blood clots and subsequent DVT (deep venous thrombosis). Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases (such as Kaposi-Sarcoma), can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels, causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid. Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. It is important to closely monitor the radiated area for any skin changes, such as increased temperature, discoloration (erythema) or blistering which can lead into the development of lymphedema. Be sure to keep the area soft with lotion recommended by your radiation oncologist. Lymphedema can develop secondary to lymphangitis (an infection) which interrupts normal lymphatic pathway function. A severe traumatic injury in which the lymphatic system is interrupted and/or damaged in any way may also trigger the onset of lymphedema. Although extremely rare in developed countries, there is a form of lymphedema called Filariasis which affects as many as 200 million people worldwide (primarily in the endemic areas of southeast Asia, India and Africa). When the filarial larvae from a mosquito bite enters the lymphatic system, these larvae mature into adult worms in the peripheral lymphatic channels, causing severe lymphedema in the arms, legs and genitalia (also known as Elephantiasis). Symptoms of Lymphedema Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. If you notice persistent swelling, it is very important that you seek immediate medical advice (and get at least one second opinion) as early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition. Lymphedema develops in a number of stages, from mild to severe,referred to as Stage 1, 2 and 3: Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible): Tissue is still at the "pitting" stage, which means that when pressed by fingertips, the area indents and holds the indentation. Usually, upon waking in the morning, the limb(s) or affected area is normal or almost normal size. Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible): The tissue now has a spongy consistency and is "non-pitting," meaning that when pressed by fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation forming). Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size. Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis): At this stage the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) is/are very large. The tissue is hard (fibrotic) and unresponsive; some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery called "debulking" at this stage. When lymphedema remains untreated, protein-rich fluid continues to accumulate, leading to an increase of swelling and a hardening or fibrosis of the tissue. In this state, the swollen limb(s) becomes a perfect culture medium for bacteria and subsequent recurrent lymphangitis (infections). Moreover, untreated lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the limb(s), skin breakdown, chronic infections and, sometimes, irreversible complications. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer called Lymphangiosarcoma (most often in secondary lymphedema).

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