ID4U Episode 17 Lymphatic Filariasis

Dr. Jessica Pelletier, John George Johnson, and Dr. Sheikh Omar Bittaye discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of lymphatic filariasis (LF).

Take-Home Points:

• LF is the second most common mosquito-borne illness after malaria.
• This disease involves repeated cycles of infection and inflammation, much like trachoma, and can cause severe morbidity and social isolation.
• Treatment is with anti-parasitic agents and must be tailored regionally based on which other parasites are co-endemic. Avoid ivermectin where loa loa is prevalent.
• At least 3 weeks of DEC is needed to treat tropical pulmonary eosinophilia from LF.
• MDA and avoiding mosquito bites are critical for interrupting transmission and preventing ongoing infect ...