Bancroftian and Malayan Filariasis (Elephantiasis) | Medtick
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Bancroftian and Malayan Filariasis (Elephantiasis)

What is it?

A filariasis type parasite infection caused by a certain infected mosquito: Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, and Mansonia species found in tropical countries.

  • These bites infects the lymphatic system (a circulation system which helps our immune system) in our bodies.
  • This condition mainly occurs  in periods of the rainy season in a year year and more when the moisture between toes increases, leading to fungal infections which damage the skin, allowing worms to invade.
  • Affected areas being painful, tender, red and swollen – usually the result of bacterial infections.

Diagnosis tests

  • Peripheral blood smear test
  • Knott’s concentration method
  • Serology testing
    • ELISA
  • PCR tests
  • Clinical examinations

Cause

  • Bancroftian causing parasite: Wuchereria bancrofti
  • Malayan causing parasite: Brugia malayi and Brugia timori (swelling tends to be below knee/elbow)
    • In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles.
    • In the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus.
    • In the Pacific, it is Asia.Aedes and Mansonia.

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Swelling, red and raw skin, pussy infection, white wet skin in foot area, between and web on toes?
  • Severe Joint pain and stiffness?
  • Lymphoedema?
  • Skin and underlying tissues become abnormally thick?
  • Elephantiasis – limbs swell like ‘elephants’ forelegs size and colour (arms, breasts, genitals and/or legs?

Males:

  • Swelling of the scrotum?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/0r do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can lead to:

  • Depression (due to appearance)
  • Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia Syndrome:
    • Infected individuals living in mainly in areas of Asia, and consists of shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

General tips

  • Wear Permethrin – treated clothes.
  • Use insect/tropical repellent spray including N,N-Diethyl- meta-tolumide (DEET), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus/p-menthane 3,8,diol (PMD).
  • Use window and door screen nets.
  • Use bed nets.

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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