title: Filariasis: diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Filariasis is an infectious disease of the lymphatics and subcutaneous tissues caused by nematodes or filariae. Carried by mosquito vectors, this disease causes millions of people to suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis, characteristics of filariasis infection. This disease can be diagnosed through the identification of microfilariae in blood or skin samples, antigen detection, radiographic imaging, or polymerase chain reaction. Mass drug administration by the World Health Organization has helped to diminish the incidence of filariasis. However, continued research on new drugs and vaccinations will be needed to control and reduce the microfilarial levels in the human population.
authors.affiliation: Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá, Colombia. nmendoza@ccstexas.com
authors.forename: Natalia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Alexa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Amber
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tyring
mesh_terms: D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence
chemical_list: D000977:Antiparasitic Agents