FEU MedTech 2nd Semester AY 2019-2020

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GAOAT, Jurel John G.
Section – 12
Filaria worms

This parasitic disease is categorized on the basis of which body part is infected:
1. Lymphatic filariasis: As the name suggests, this type affects the lymphatic system.
Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Brugia timori
2. Subcutaneous filariasis: In this case, the bottom layer of the skin and white part of the eyes are
infected by the worms.
Loa loa, Mansonella streptocerca, Onchocerca volvulus
3. Serous cavity filariasis: In the case of this disorder, the serous cavity of the abdomen is infected
by the helminths.
Mansonella species

The vectors of Bancroftian filariasis in the Philippines:

• Aedes poecilus: breeds in abaca-raising areas
• Anopheles flavirostris: breeds in clear mountain streams.
The vectors of Malayan filariasis in the Philippines:
• Mansonia bonneae and Mansonia uniformis: breed in swampy and forested areas.

Wuchereria bancrofti Brugia malayi

Common name: Bancroft’s filaria Common name: Malayan filaria
For both W.bancrofti and B.malayi
• Blood sample: nocturnal periodicity
– Define: a circadian rhythm with the periodicity expressed during nighttime hours.
• Lab diagnosis:
– Fresh Giemsa stained blood
– Knott’s concentration
– Membrane filtration
• Treatment:
– Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
– Antihistamine & Analgesics
 FEU MedTech 2nd Semester AY 2019-2020
Prepared by LrcCo for class use only Unathorized use, distribution, and
publication of this document is prohibited.
Mind exercise:
Malaria and lymphatic filariasis are said to be coendemic in many tropical and sub-tropical Regions.
Explain how is this possible.
Malaria and lymphatic filariasis are both vector-borne diseases transmitted by Anopheles
spp.mosquitoes, suggesting that well-designed vector control strategies have to potential to affect
transmission of both infections.

Loa loa
Common name: African Eye worm
• Sheathed microfilariae
• Continuous nuclei up to the tip of the tail • White, cylindrical, threadlike
• Habitat:
– Microfilariae: blood
– Adult: subcutaneous tissues, deep connective tissues
• Blood sample: diurnal periodicity
– Define: circadian rhythm during daylight hours.
• Lab diagnosis:
– Similar to lymphatic filariasis
• Treatment:
– Surgical removal
• Medication:
– Diethylcarbamazine (DEC)
– Antihistamine & Analgesics
• Classic Signs & Symptoms
• skin inflammation; itching
• Calabar swelling: a transient subcutaneous swelling marking the migratory course through the
tissues of the adult filarial worm Loa loa.
 FEU MedTech 2nd Semester AY 2019-2020
Prepared by LrcCo for class use only Unathorized use, distribution, and
publication of this document is prohibited.
Onchocerca volvulus
Common name: Blinding filaria
• Major cause of blindness in Africa
• Unsheathed
• Thin, wirelike
• Numerous nuclei that does not extend to the tail
• Microfilaria: Skin snips • Adult: infected nodules
• Medication:
– Ivermectin

Mansonella ozardi & Mansonella perstans

Non pathogenic

M.ozardi M.perstans

Common name New world filaria Perstans filaria

Sheath Absent Absent
Nuclei Numerous, does not extend to the tip of the tail All the way to the tip of the tail
Microfilaria Blood, no periodicity Blood, no periodicity
IH / vector Culicoides / Simulium blackfly Culicoides
Treatment Ivermectin DEC / mebendazole

References:
• Zeibig, Elizabeth A. (2013). Clincal Parasitology: A Practical Approach. 2 nd Edition
• Belizario, Vincent Jr., (2013). Medical Parasitology in the Philippines. University of the Philippines
Press
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DPDX – Laboratory Identification of Parasitic
Diseases of Public Health Concern, http://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/