Lymphatic Filariasis: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Symptoms and Progression

An infection of the lymphatic system caused by the filarial parasites can result in the following filarial disease symptoms:

• Lymphoedema (fluid retention in lymph capillaries)

• Thickening of tissues in the body

• Inflammation throughout the body

• Swelling, enlargement & disfiguring of body parts

• Hydrocele or scrotal swelling (in males)

• Breast swelling (in females)

• Swelling of genitals (in females)

• Pain and discomfort

• Fever and chills

• Headaches

While some patients infected with the parasite show the above-mentioned filarial disease symptoms, others may be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at all. However, these asymptomatic individuals often complain of drastic weight loss and fatigue.

Mosquitoes biting someone infected with the parasite get infected in the first place. The microfilariae soon turn into an infective larva within the body of the mosquito. Mature filariasis parasite larvae get deposited on the skin of an individual bitten by an infected mosquito. From the skin, the larvae enter the body and gradually migrate to the person’s lymphatic vessels, where they nest and grow into adult worms. The lifespan of these adult worms is about 7 to 8 years. During their lifespan, these adult parasites reproduce, releasing millions of filarial worms into the bloodstream of the infected person.

The filaria disease thus progresses, bringing forth total lymphatic damage and dysfunction. With the progression of the disease, the condition of lymphoedema gives way to an advanced stage called Elephantiasis, manifested through the enlargement of body parts and thickening of tissues.

Transmission and Risk Factors

Lymphatic filariasis is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. People bitten by these mosquitoes get the filaria disease, starting the cycle of transmission. After the parasite enters the human body, it travels to the lymphatic system and lives in the lymph nodes and vessels for 7-8 years, producing millions of microfilariae. Mosquitoes biting these infected people can then bite others and spread the disease.

The filarial disease risk factors include:

• Increased exposure to mosquitoes

• Getting bitten by mosquitoes repeatedly

• Not using mosquito nets or repellents

• People residing in tropical and subtropical regions

• Travellers going to the tropical and subtropical regions

Treatment and Management

Before starting filariasis treatment, the disease needs to be diagnosed. Blood tests, immunological tests like antibody assessments, urinalysis, and ultrasound scans to detect obstructions in the lymphatic channels are the chief diagnostic procedures undertaken.

Once the disease is diagnosed, medications are administered to the patient. These drugs can destroy both adult and immature worms. They are given to the infected person either through a single-day filariasis treatment plan or a 12-day treatment plan.

If the condition has reached the stage of Elephantiasis or lymphoedema, the use of DEC drugs may not yield benefits, as people with these symptoms may not have live worms in their lymphatic system anymore.

In the case of hydrocele, surgical intervention may be required to drain the excess fluid and reduce the swelling in the scrotum. In areas where this infection is prevalent, using preventative chemotherapy is often recommended by doctors.

Effective management tips for Filaria disease include —

• Elevate limbs to reduce swelling

• Get optimal bed rest

• Use compression bandages to reduce fluid retention

• Frequently clean the affected area

• Maintain proper personal hygiene

• Use appropriate footwear

• Follow a proper exercise routine

FAQs

1. How common is lymphatic filariasis?

According to the latest data, nearly 120,000,000 people are infected with filarial parasites worldwide, and 40,000,000 people are disfigured by this mosquito-borne disease.

2. How does lymphatic filariasis impact your immune system?

The lymphatic system of your body plays an important part in immune responses. As the parasite of filariasis attacks your lymphatic system, your immune system is also severely affected. The worms nesting in your lymphatic vessels and nodes cause large-scale inflammation throughout your body, leading to weakened immune responses or an over-activated or misdirected immune system.

3. Which type of worms cause filariasis?

The worms causing filariasis are roundworms, round in shape and coiled or thread-like in appearance. These worms belong to the family called Filaridea.

4. Can lymphatic filariasis cause blindness?

Yes, lymphatic filariasis can cause blindness and weakened vision. The embryonic larvae reproduced by the adult roundworms often migrate to different parts of the body, including the eyes, weakening vision and potentially causing blindness.

5. Can the filarial disease cause itching?

Yes, the filarial disease can cause severe itching due to the worms migrating to the skin and causing disfiguring skin conditions that itch a lot.