Filaria

Filaria is a term that refers to a group of parasitic worms that are transmitted to humans through the bites of black flies and mosquitoes. These worms are known to cause a variety of diseases in humans, including lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.

Overview

Filaria worms are thread-like nematodes that belong to the family Filarioidea. They are known to infect a variety of hosts, including humans, where they can cause a range of diseases. The most common diseases caused by these worms are lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, and onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of filaria worms involves several stages. The adult worms live in the lymphatic system of the human host, where they produce larvae known as microfilariae. These larvae circulate in the blood and are ingested by a mosquito or black fly during a blood meal. Inside the insect, the larvae develop into infective larvae, which are then transmitted to a new human host when the insect takes another blood meal.

Diseases Caused by Filaria

Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, is a disease caused by the filarial worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. These worms infect the lymphatic system, causing severe swelling and thickening of the skin and underlying tissues, particularly in the legs and genitals.

Onchocerciasis

Onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, is caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus. This worm infects the skin and eyes, causing severe itching, skin lesions, and blindness.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for filarial diseases typically involves the use of antiparasitic drugs, such as ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole. Prevention strategies include vector control measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, and mass drug administration programs.

See Also

• Parasitic diseases
• Nematodes
• Vector-borne diseases

Filaria Resources
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