DEFINITION ETILOGIC AGENT INCUBATION PERIOD MODE OF TRANSMISSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Filariasis is an infectious tropical Parasites classified short as 4 weeks or Lymphatic filariasis is Lymphatic filariasis infection involves
disease caused by any one of several as long as 8-16 transmitted by different asymptomatic, acute, and chronic
as nematodes
thread-like parasitic round worms. months types of conditions
(roundworms) of the
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known family Filariodidea. other resources Culex mosquito, widespread Asymptomatic -showing no external signs
as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical There are 3 types of 6 months and as late across urban and semi-urban of infection while contributing to
disease. as 12 months after areas transmission of the parasite. These
these thread-like infection asymptomatic infections still cause damage
Filariasis is usually a self-limited disease filarial worms: Anopheles, mainly found in to the lymphatic system and the kidneys,
unless reinfection occurs. rural areas, and alter the body's immune system.
Wuchereria
TYPES bancrofti, which is Aedes, mainly in endemic Acute episodes
responsible for 90% islands in the Pacific. -Fever that last for few days
1.Lymphatic Filariasis of the cases -local inflammation involving skin, lymph
affects the lymphatic system nodes and lymphatic vessels often
can result to a more serious Brugia malayi, accompany chronic lymphoedema or
complication such as which causes most of elephantiasis.
enlargement of body parts the remainder of the
can cause pain and permanent cases Chronic Conditions
disability -lymphoedema (tissue swelling)
Brugia timori, -elephantiasis (skin/tissue thickening) of
2.Subcutaneous Filariasis which also causes limbs
Affects the subcutaneous area the disease. -hydrocele (scrotal swelling).
of the skin -Involvement of breasts and genital organs
3.Serous Cavity Filariasis
Affects the abdomen’s serous
cavity
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES TREATMENT MODALITIES NURSING PREVENTION
MANAGEMENT
1. Circulating filarial antigen (CFA) Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) -Monitor client’s vital -wear long sleeves and long
-Drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis caused by signs, particularly the pants
This diagnostic examination determines the any of the three nematodes temperature.
presence of W. bancrofti that is released by infected -Potent microfilaricidal agent, but the mode of -Assess skin color and - sleep under a mosquito
mosquitos. It can be performed any time of the day. action is uncertain integrity. Note for net or in air conditioning
-Also kills approximately 50% of adult worms wounds, bleeding or any
-Not distributed for use in the US, but can but can skin changes. -use bug repellent
2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
be obtained through the CDC under an -Assess for any
Investigational New Drug protocol discomfort and pain. -stay indoors or away from
This diagnostic exam detects whether the body is -Has been added to salt in some endemic regions -Provide wound care. mosquito breeding grounds
already infected by Filariasis. This test is not usually -Side effects include fever, headache, anorexia, -Elevate affected body between dusk and dawn
available in the market. nausea, and arthralgias. area to reduce swelling. (they're preferred biting
-Not safe for use during pregnancy -Administer medications time)
3. Blood smears if ordered and discuss
Ivermectin them to the client.
This test can also be helpful in identifying -Single dose can reduce microfilaremia by 90% -Provide support to
roundworms and any infection that takes place in W.bancrofti filariasis perform basic activities.
inside the body. It can be conducted during selected -No significant effect on adult worm viability, so -Encourage range of
times of the day, particularly during at night since results are not sustained without repeated doses motion and simple
roundworms are nocturnal. -May be beneficial in affecting worm fertility exercises of the affected
extremities to stimulate
Albendazole lymphatic flow.
4. Antifilarial body tests -No direct effect on microfilariae; slow decline over -Recognize client’s self-
a 6-8 week period esteem needs.
This diagnostic exam determines the rise of IgG -14-day courses of treatment show a significant -Provide health teaching
levels and IgG4. Although this test is essential in decrease in microfilariae and information for
determining Filarial entry, it cannot detect presence continuity of care.
of infection and past infections.
Doxycycline
5. Ultrasound and Lymphoscintigraphic techniques -Simultaneously prevents adult worms from
reproducing and produces macrofilaricidal effects
up to 80-90%
These tests distinguish any presence of worm in the
-Clinical improvement in edema
lymphatic system.
-Fewest adverse reactions
