TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Risk Factors for Filariasis
2. What Causes Filariasis?
3. Symptoms of Filariasis
4. Diagnosing Filariasis
5. How to Treat Filariasis?
6. Recommended Medications for Filariasis
7. Complications of Filariasis
8. How to Prevent Filariasis
9. When to See a Doctor

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Filariasis is a group of parasitic infections caused by filarial worms that can infect both humans and animals. Although there are hundreds of types of filarial parasites, only eight species are known to cause infections in humans.

The infection is generally classified based on the location of the adult worms in the human body: cutaneous, lymphatic, or body cavity filariasis. 

The most common and well-known form is lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as elephantiasis.

Risk Factors for Filariasis

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of contracting filariasis, including:

• Prolonged exposure to mosquito bites, especially repeated bites.
• Living or staying in tropical or subtropical regions for extended periods.
• Frequenting outdoor environments for activities like fishing or hunting, which increases the risk of filarial antigenemia.
• Warm temperatures and sweating, which can attract mosquitoes.

What Causes Filariasis?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lymphatic filariasis affects around 120 million people globally, with about one-third experiencing severe complications. 

The disease is caused by filarial worms transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. 

Once inside the body, the worms mature and live in the lymphatic system for 6 to 8 years, where they reproduce and cause damage.

Although infections often begin in childhood, the symptoms may not appear until later, when irreversible swelling and tissue damage have occurred.

Symptoms of Filariasis

Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis are typically classified into three categories:

1. Asymptomatic Phase

Many people infected with the parasite do not show symptoms, yet damage to the lymphatic system and kidneys can still occur, weakening the immune system over time.

2. Acute Lymphatic Filariasis

This phase includes two conditions:

• Acute Adenolymphangitis (ADL)

Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and painful, red, and swollen affected areas. ADL episodes may recur several times a year. Secondary fungal infections can worsen the swelling.

• Acute Filarial Lymphangitis (AFL)

Caused by the death of adult worms. Unlike ADL, AFL often occurs without fever or other infections. Small nodules may appear where the worms cluster, such as in the lymph system or scrotum.

3. Chronic Lymphatic Filariasis

This stage involves lymphedema, or fluid accumulation, leading to swelling in the limbs. 

Continued inflammation and fluid buildup eventually cause skin thickening and permanent deformity, a condition known as elephantiasis. It can also affect the abdomen, male genitalia, and female breasts.

Diagnosing Filariasis

The standard method to diagnose active filariasis is by identifying microfilariae in a blood smear under a microscope. 

These parasites are most active at night, so blood samples should be collected during nighttime hours and stained with Giemsa or hematoxylin-eosin for better visibility.

Serological testing is also available, especially for detecting elevated levels of antifilarial IgG4 antibodies in the blood. 

In cases of chronic lymphedema where microfilariae are no longer present, lab tests may return negative results.

How to Treat Filariasis?

Treatment for filariasis depends on the severity and symptoms. Common approaches include:

1. Medication

Antiparasitic drugs such as ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and albendazole can kill the adult worms or prevent them from reproducing. 

These medications may be prescribed annually over several weeks to reduce infection risk and transmission.

2. Surgery

In advanced cases, surgical removal of dead worms or fluid buildup, especially in cases of hydrocele (fluid in the scrotum), may be necessary.

3. Management of Elephantiasis

Healthcare providers may recommend compression garments, leg elevation, or hygiene measures to reduce swelling and improve lymph flow.

Recommended Medications for Filariasis

Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication. Here are some commonly recommended antiparasitic drugs:

• Albendazole 400 mg Chewable Tablets: Works by disrupting glucose uptake in worms, leading to energy depletion and death.
• Konvermex 125 mg (4 tablets): Contains pyrantel pamoate, which paralyzes the worms and helps expel them.
• Konvermex 250 mg (2 tablets): Suitable for both children and adults, effective against multiple types of worm infections.

Complications of Filariasis

If left untreated, filariasis can lead to:

• Repeated bacterial infections.
• Elephantiasis, marked by thickened skin and painful, swollen limbs.
• Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia syndrome, which causes increased white blood cells, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

How to Prevent Filariasis

Prevention mainly involves avoiding mosquito bites, especially in tropical areas. Effective strategies include:

• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Applying mosquito repellent.
• Sleeping under mosquito nets.
• Removing standing water around your home to reduce breeding grounds.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any symptoms associated with filariasis, especially unexplained swelling or recurring fever, consult a doctor immediately. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term complications.

Don’t hesitate to contact our English-speaking doctor directly from your smartphone  using the Halodoc app at any time. Doctors are available 24 hours to answer your questions.

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References:

World Health Organization. Accessed in 2025. Lymphatic Filariasis.

Cleveland Clinic. Accessed in 2025. Filariasis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed in 2025. Parasites – Lymphatic Filariasis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed in 2025. Epidemiology & Risk Factors.