Lymphatic filariasis is caused by filarial worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. The worms live in the lymphatic system and in chronic cases cause elephantiasis. Elephantiasis causes edema and thickenining of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It affects mainly the lower extremities. It occurs when the worms cause lymphangitis followed by blocking of the lymphatic vessels draining the limb. Diagnosis is by identifying the microfilariae in a thick blood film stained by Giemsa stain. They only appear in blood at night. Filariasis is treated by albendazole combined with ivermectin. Diethylcarbamazine and albendazole is also effective. Filariasis is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions. Of Asia, Africa, Central, South America and Pacific Islands.
From the World Health Organization
Lymphatic filariasis fact sheet
Lymphatic filariasis - background
Lymphatic filariasis burdens and trends
Lymphatic filariasis geographical distribution
Lymphatic filariasis (PDF) (Weekly Epidemiological Record; May 18, 2001)
Lymphatic filariasis (PDF) (Weekly Epidemiological Record; April 19, 2002)
The global alliance to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (home page)
Lymphatic filariasis photo gallery
From the Centers for Disease Control
Lymphatic Filariasis
Fact Sheet on Filariasis
Filariasis (life cycle, geographic distribution, clinical features, diagnosis)
From the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Filiariasis.net
From TDR
Lymphatic filariasis update
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