Filariasis
Overview
- Causative agent: Filarial nematodes (Wuchereria, Brugia, Onchocerca, Loa loa) with Wolbachia endosymbionts as a therapeutic target.
- Transmission:
- Lymphatic Filariasis: Mosquitoes (Anopheles, Culex) → microfilariae in the blood
- Onchocerciasis: Blackflies (Simulium) by the river → hence "River Blindness"
- Loiasis: Deerflies (Chrysops) → migrating worms subcutaneously
- Clinical presentation:
- Lymphatic: Lymphangitis → chronic lymphedema → Tropical Elephantiasis
- Onchocerciasis: Onchocercomas (subcutaneous nodules), Pruritus, Hyperpigmentation ("Leopard skin"), River Blindness (ocular involvement)
- Loiasis: Calabar swellings (localized edema), migrating worm visible in the subconjunctival eye
- Diagnosis: Blood microscopy for microfilariae, skin biopsy (Onchocerciasis), serology, PCR.
Differential diagnoses
- Lymphoedema of the right leg after recurrent erysipelas
- Tinea cruris
- Erythrasma
- Mycosis fungoides
- Scabies
- Arterial (ischaemic) ulcer
- Psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis)
- Erysipelas
Practise Filariasis in the app
Flashcards with spaced repetition, exam questions and spot-the-diagnosis on this topic – in DermaFuchs, free of charge.
In the DermaFuchs app: 1 flashcards · 3 clinical images
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Note: This page is intended for medical education and does not replace diagnosis or treatment decisions in individual cases. Treatment and follow-up content is available in the app.