Serologic techniques provide an alternative to microscopic detection of microfilariae for the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. Patients with active filarial infection typically have elevated levels of antifilarial IgG4 in the blood and these can be detected using routine assays. Maintenance of Good hygiene of the affected part prevents the worsening of the lymphoedema and secondary bacterial skin infections.
The affected limb should be kept elevated and regular exercises should be done to improve the lymph flow. These medicines clear microfilariae from the bloodstream. Though Lymphatic filariasis is treated with medicines, there is persistent abnormal enlargement of body parts causing pain and severe disability. Associated social stigma makes patients to suffer mentally, socially and financially. Elimination of lymphatic filariasis is possible by stopping the spread of infection with mass drug administration MDA and protection from mosquito bites and vector control measures.
American International Medical University. References: www. Chronic manifestations stem from repeated episodes of inflammation that can lead to a progressive obstruction of the lymphatic ducts with accumulation of fluid in the interstitial tissues, resulting in lymphedema, a condition that most often affects the arms and the legs.
In male patients, the obstruction of the spermatic lymphatic duct leads to accumulation of fluid in the scrotal sac hydrocele. The increasing fibrosis and sclerosis of the subcutaneous tissues can accelerate the progression of lymphedema to elephantiasis thickening and hardening of skin fold in nodule formation and epidermal pigmentation changes , which is associated with excessively enlarged extremities and disability.
Stigma and social exclusion are frequent among such patients. A suggestive clinical picture of the disease and a high eosinophil count may help the diagnosis. The standard technique used is the direct identification of microfilariae in thick blood smears.
The blood sample must be collected near the time of maximum concentration of microfilariae in order to increase the sensitivity of the test.
There is the availability of tests based on immunochromatographic card-based tests ICT , which detect filarial antigens in blood collected after a finger prick, these are independent of the concentration of microfilariae and prove to be sensitive and specific. The ICT test can be used for mapping, monitoring, and evaluation of the transmission of lymphatic filariasis through community-level studies. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
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