Elephantiasis, or filariasis, is a parasitic disease that affects lymphatic circulation, caused by a nematode parasite, called Wuchereria bancrofti and known as the filaria. This worm reaches the lymphatic vessels and promotes an inflammatory reaction, causing an obstruction of the flow of lymph and causing the affected region, be it the leg or arm, to be very dilated - resembling an elephant's paw.
The filarium is transmitted by the mosquito of the genus Culex sp. , known as straw mosquito or mosquito, capable of transporting the larvae of the worm and transmitting through the bite. Treatment is done with antiparasitic drugs, such as Diethylcarbamazine and Ivermectin, however, when the disease reaches the chronic phase, it is not always possible to achieve a cure, due to the intense inflammation already caused in the lymphatic vessels.
Main symptoms
The transmission of filarial larvae through the body's blood and lymph vessels causes symptoms, which appear after 1 to several months after transmission by the insect, such as:
- High fever; Headache; Muscle pain; Intolerance to light; Allergic reactionsAsthma; Itchy body; Pericarditis; Enlarged lymph nodes; Swelling of limbs such as legs, arms, breasts or scrotal sac.
After months to years, if the filariasis is not properly treated, the presence of adult branches in the circulation causes scarring and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, which prevents the flow of lymph, and causes accumulations of this fluid in the affected limbs, causing chronic swelling and thickening of the skin, which gives the appearance similar to that of an elephant, which gives rise to the name of the disease.
To understand how lymph circulates through the lymphatic system, check out what the lymphatic system is and how it works.
How to confirm
The diagnosis of elephantiasis is made based on the observation of the individual and his complaints, and can be proven through blood tests, which can identify the parasite or the body's immune response.
The diagnosis is not always made in time, because the disease evolves very slowly over the years. The causative agent multiplies within the individual, but it generates symptoms that can be confused with other diseases, and the main symptom, which is the exaggerated swelling of the limbs, can occur long after the contamination.
How transmission occurs
Upon biting the individual, the larvae present in the mosquito is transmitted and settles in the lymphatic chain, where it will develop and breed new worms.
The infected person does not pass the disease on to others, but if a mosquito bites it, it can become contaminated and contaminate others with its bite, even if that person has not yet manifested all the symptoms of the disease.
Forms of treatment
The treatment of elephantiasis is done with the intake of antiparasitic drugs, such as Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine or Albendazole, for example, guided by an infectious disease specialist, who are able to kill the larvae of the filaria and prevent their complications.
However, in some cases, it may be necessary to perform surgery to correct the lymphatic system, and to decrease symptoms or complications, when the inflammation has already caused scarring and obstruction of the lymph flow.
Prevention of elephantiasis
The prevention of elephantiasis is done by avoiding contact with transmitting mosquitoes, through measures such as:
- Use of mosquito nets to sleep; Screens on windows and doors; Avoid leaving standing water in tires, bottles and plant pots, for example; Use repellent daily; Avoid places with flies and mosquitoes;
In addition, it is up to the government to use means to combat flies and mosquitoes such as spraying poisons through the air, such as smoke and basic sanitation measures.
Check out practical recipes for natural repellents that can help repel mosquitoes and flies that can transmit diseases like filariasis, dengue and zika.
