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Article by: Josephine Ong Seen Yee
Filariasis, like malaria, spreads through mosquito bites. However, instead of the circulation system, it attacks our lymphatic system. The cause of this disease is the filarial parasite, which is found in tropical climates in countries near the equator (Malaysia included!). The most common species of the parasite that causes filariasis is Wuchereria bancrofti; however, there are also some other species contributing to it, namely, Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi. Sounds familiar?? That’s because these species were found in Malaysia and also in Pahang State, respectively!!
As the mosquito takes a blood meal, L3 larvae are entered into the skin from the mosquito’s proboscis along with an anti-coagulant. The larvae enter the lymphatic system and mature into adults. The adults then produce sheathed microfilariae that migrate into the lymph and blood channels. When another mosquito comes along to take a blood meal, it ingests the microfilariae, which penetrate its midgut, migrate into thoracic muscles, and develop into another L3 larva. The cycle, therefore, continues.
This can cause the lymphatic vessels to swell up, leading to elephantiasis of body parts like the genitals or the limbs. This is when the body part swells to more than twice its original size and the skin thickens, which is an extremely painful process. Due to damage to the lymphatic system, the patient also becomes more susceptible to sickness as their immune system is affected.
To be tested, blood must be collected at night due to the nocturnal periodicity of the parasite. The blood is then smeared and observed for the presence of microfilaria. As of now, there is no permanent cure for filariasis; however, certain medicines can kill most of the worms and prevent their further spreading. Treatment to reduce symptoms is also available.
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