Clinical features: Filariasis is a group of disorders produced by infection with nematodes. These worms invade the lymphatics, subcutaneous, and deep tissues producing reactions ranging from acute inflammation to chronic scarring. In Tanzania the most important species is Wuchereria bancrofti and occasionally Loa loa. The main clinical features are fever, acute lymphangitis, orchitis, headache, asthma and urticaria in the acute phase. In chronic infection the main features are elephantiasis and elephantoid scrotum. Loa loa causes a typical allergic inflammatory skin lesion (calabar swelling). Occasionally, the adult worm may be seen crossing the eye subconjunctivally.
Treatment guidelines
Drug of choice |
Ivermectin (O) 150 μg/kg body weight as a single dose. Retreat at intervals of 6 to 12 months, depending on symptoms must be given until the adult worms die out. |
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Or |
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Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) (O) 1 mg/kg body weight increase the dose gradually to 6 mg/kg body weight after 3 days for 21 days. |
