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| Mansonia uniformis - vector of Brugia malayi & B. timori |
Lymphatic filariasis is infection with the filarial worms,
Wuchereria bancrofti,
Brugia malayi or
B. timori.
These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of an
infected mosquito and develop into adult worms in the lymphatic vessels,
causing severe damage and swelling (lymphoedema). Elephantiasis –
painful, disfiguring swelling of the legs and genital organs – is a
classic sign of late-stage disease.
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| Water Hyacinth - breeding site of Mansonia species |
The infection can be treated with drugs. However, chronic
conditions may not be curable by anti-filarial drugs and require other
measures, eg. surgery for hydrocele, care of the skin and exercise to
increase lymphatic drainage in lymphoedema.
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| Egg of Mansonia |
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| Larva of Mansonia |
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| Pupa of Mansonia |
Annual treatment of all individuals at risk (individuals living in
endemic areas) with recommended anti-filarial drugs combination of
either diethyl-carbamazine citrate (DEC) and albendazole, or ivermectin
and albendazole; or the regular use of DEC fortified salt can prevent
occurrence of new infection and disease.
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| Broncraftian microfilaria |
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