| ID | 198 |
|---|---|
| Name | FILARIASIS |
| Cause | |
| Signs Symptoms | |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosis: In the earliest stages the diagnosis is made on clinical grounds, supported usually by an eosinophilia and sometimes by a positive complement fixation or intradermal test. After about a year from the time of infection microfilaria appear in the blood at night. Shadows of calcified filaria may sometimes be demonstrable by radiogrphy. |
| Investigations | |
| Management | |
| Introduction | Filariasis is caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. W. bancrofti is transmitted by Culex fatigans and B. malayi by certain Mansonoides and Anopheles mosquitoe |
| History | |
| Etiology | |
| Clinical Features | Clinical features: After an incubation period of not less than 3 months the first manifestations are bouts of fever accompanied by pain and tenderness along the course of inflammed lymphatic vessels. There may be some scattered urticaria. Inflammation of the spermatic cord, epididymitis and orchitis may occur. Further attacks are likely to follow temporary oedema from obstructed lymphatics, some enlargements of regional lymph nodes and often accompanied by the formation of superficial lymph varices and the production of hydrocele. The leg resembles that of an elephant, also the upper limb, scrotum, vulva or breast may reach an enormous size. Obstruction of the abdominal or thoracic lymphatics may lead to chyluria, chylous ascites or a chylous effusion. |
| Preventions | |
| Treatment | Treatment: 1. Bed rest in acute stage. 2. Diethylcarbamazine 2mg/kg orally daily in three divided doses for 3 weeks. Repeat every 3-4 months for 1-2 years. 3. Antihistamines for pruritus, headache, nausea and arthralgia etc. 4. Antibiotics like a combination of streptomycin and penicillin or tetracycline may be given for secondary bacterial infection. 5. For epididymitis or orchitis suspensory bandage. 6. Apply firm bandage and put it elevated position when there is oedema of the limb. 7. Steroids may be helpful in early cases of lymphoedema and for the control of allergic symptoms viz. pruritus, urticaria, arthralgia etc. 8. Surgery is indicated in many cases of elephantiasis. |
| Complications | |
| Prognosis | |
| Types | |
| Classification | |
| Observation | |
| Pathology |
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