Lymphatic Filariasis (Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti)

Chapter 288 Lymphatic Filariasis (Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti)






Clinical Manifestations


The clinical manifestations of B. malayi, B. timori, and W. bancrofti infection are similar; manifestations of acute infection include transient, recurrent lymphadenitis and lymphangitis, The early signs and symptoms include episodic fever, lymphangitis of an extremity, lymphadenitis (especially the inguinal and axillary areas), headaches, and myalgias that last a few days to several weeks. These symptoms are caused by an acute inflammatory response triggered by death of adult worms. Initial damage to lymphatic vessels may remain subclinical for years. The syndrome is most frequently observed in young persons 10-20 yr of age. Manifestations of chronic lymphatic filariasis occur mostly in adults 30 yr of age or older and result from anatomic and functional obstruction to lymph flow. This obstruction results in lymphedema of the legs, arms, breasts, and/or genitalia. Male genital involvement such as hydrocele is very common in W. bancrofti infection but uncommon in Brugia species infection. Chronic lymphedema predisposes affected extremities to bacterial superinfections, sclerosis, and verrucous skin changes, resulting in elephantitis, which may involve 1 or more limbs, the breasts, or genitalia. It is uncommon for children to have overt signs of chronic filariasis.


Jun 18, 2016 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Lymphatic Filariasis (Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti)

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