What is Lymphatic Filariasis?
Parasitic disease of lymphatic system Circulates in bloodAlmost exclusively in humans
What is Lymphatic Filariasis?
Parasitic disease of lymphatic system Circulates in bloodAlmost exclusively in humansAmong world's leading causes of disability
What is Lymphatic Filariasis?
Parasitic disease of lymphatic system Circulates in bloodAlmost exclusively in humansAmong world's leading causes of disabilityIncreasing due to unchecked urbanization
Symptoms (cont’d)
pulmonary tropical eosinophilia syndrome Inflammation of the lung Cough, shortness of breath
myweb.lsbu.ac.uk/dirt/museum/p6-633.html
But doing smear is complicated..
Nocturnally periodic
Nuchprayoon et al. Filaria Journal 2007 6:6 doi:10.1186/1475-2883-6-6
Treatment
diethylcarbamazine (DEC) Kills microfilarae Prevents transmission
Albendazole Kills adults and microfilarae
Slightly different in Africa
Ivermectin instead of DEC Side effects with other diseases River blindness
Socio-economic Impact
Disease of the poor Incapacitates cycle
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/gallery/media/poverty2.jpg
Social stigma
“Her husband left her when he realized that her legs would not shrink, she said. As her new boyfriend, a handsome out-of-work carpenter, sold goods nearby, she said, "I don't know if he will leave me, too.”
- Antoinette St. Fab
Efforts
In 1993 identified as one of six eliminable infectious diseases
In 1997, World Health Assembly called for elimination of LF worldwide
WHO: Global Programme to Eliminate LF
Goal 1: break cycle of transmission
MDA Combination therapy Donated Drugs
WHO: Global Programme to Eliminate LF
Goal 2: Alleviate suffering in infected persons Community education programs Community care
© Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis
Top Related