Question

Name the parasites that cause filariasis in humans. Mention its two diagnostic symptoms. How is this transmitted to others?

Answer 1

Hint: Filariasis is a parasitic disease that is caused by worms. Based on the part of the body they affect, filariasis is of three types: Lymphatic filariasis, Subcutaneous filariasis, and Serous cavity filariasis. In severe cases, these worms can cause the syndrome of elephantiasis. There are a total of eight filarial worms that have humans as a definitive host.

Complete answer:
- Filariasis in humans is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Wuchereria malayi. These are thread-like roundworms.
Symptoms of filariasis are:
- Acute inflammation of lymphatic vessels.
- Body aches.
- Shaking chills.
- Swollen lymph nodes.

- Filariasis is transmitted from one person to another by the bite of an infected female mosquito.
- When a mosquito bites a patient with filariasis, worms circulating in the blood of the patient enter the mosquito and infect it.
- Diethylcarbamazine is the best drug used worldwide for over fifty years.

Additional information:
- Lymphatic filariasis affects the lymphatic system.
- Subcutaneous filariasis occupies the layer just beneath the skin and is caused by worm Loa loa.
- Serous cavity filariasis occupies the serous cavity of the abdomen and is caused by Mansonella perstans and Mansonella ozzardi.
- Filariasis is diagnosed by the presence of microfilariae in the peripheral blood, urine, and hydrocele fluid.
- Detection of adult worm in a biopsy specimen.

Note: Filariasis is a pathological disease caused by the infection of a Filarial worm that is transmitted by various vectors. Filariasis infection takes place in the lymphatic system, blood vessels, connective tissues, and the serous cavity of man. Worm requires two hosts for completing the life cycle i.e. Man and female mosquito. It can be diagnosed by immunodiagnostic means by the detection of antigen and antibody. Filariasis is the disease of tropical warm lands.