[Filariasis in clinical practice].
Filariases are infections caused by distinct species of nematodes. These infections are transmitted through insect bites and primarily affect lymph nodes and skin. Filariases are classified as neglected diseases and affect millions, producing severe disability and social stigma. This type of infection is rarely diagnosed in travellers, as prolonged stays in endemic areas are usually required acquire infection. Infections may be asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations depend on the host immune response to the infection and the parasite burden. Diagnosis is based on the demonstration of microfilariae in blood or skin, but there are other methods that support the diagnosis. Individual treatment is effective, but community interventions, mostly mass drug administration, have helped to diminish the incidence of filariases.
Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
Marta
M
Díaz-Menéndez
Francesca
F
Norman
Begoña
B
Monge-Maillo
José Antonio
JA
Pérez-Molina
Rogelio
R
López-Vélez
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000458:organization & administration; D009033:Culicidae / Q000469:parasitology; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005368:Filariasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000469:parasitology; D007843:Latin America / Q000453:epidemiology; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008842:Microfilariae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods*; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014195:Travel; D014944:World Health Organization
D000871:Anthelmintics