Cases Of Filariasis Research Articles

Short Communication: Analysis of the Spectrum of Glomerular Diseases in Chronic Filariasis Diagnosed in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.

Introduction: The study presents renal manifestations in chronic filariasis, a substantial health concern in the eastern and north-eastern regions of India. Materials and Methods: The study is a retrospective analysis of a renal biopsy series of patients with chronic filariasis from a tertiary care hospital in Odisha. It involves eight cases of chronic filariasis. Results: Common indications of biopsy were nephrotic syndrome, chyluria, and unexplained renal failure. The mean duration from the diagnosis of filariasis to the onset of glomerular diseases was 15.75 years, SD ± 4.2 years. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Renal histopathology revealed various patterns, including membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, IGA nephropathy, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Conclusion: The study fills a critical gap in the literature by elucidating renal biopsy findings in chronic filariasis. The multifaceted nature of this disease underscores the need for continued research to understand kidney diseases due to filariasis, especially in endemic regions.

Incidental diagnosis of subcutaneous filariasis with an unusual presentation in a non-endemic area—Need to worry?

ABSTRACT We report an interesting case of Bancroftian filariasis diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology in a young female hailing from a non-endemic hilly area of India, who presented with a subcutaneous swelling on the left forearm. This is an unusual extra-lymphatic site to harbor filarial infestation and the cytology smears showed adult worms, eggs, and microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti.

A Rare Presentation of Breast Filariasis: A Case Report

Background: Filariasis is a common tropical disease but filariasis in breast is uncommon. Mostly, presentation is with typical symptoms of inflammation and lump. Atypical presentation is very rare and needs to be reported. Case Presentation: We report a case of breast filariasis with its atypical presentation and challenges faced for diagnosis. Patient was successfully treated with DEC (Di-ethyl-carbamazine). Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis in endemic zones even with atypical presentation, only then can correct treatment for the disease be given and prevention in progression and spread of disease achieved. This case report urges clinicians to keep a fair degree of clinical suspicion for parasitic infections as a cause of breast lump, especially in endemic countries and when presentation is atypical.

Unraveling the unexpected: A rare case of filariasis in chronic myeloid leukemia with a review of the literature

Unraveling the unexpected: A rare case of filariasis in chronic myeloid leukemia with a review of the literature

Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand.

Atypical presentations of filariasis have posed diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of identifying the causative species and the difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present the integrative histological and molecular analysis of seven atypical filariasis cases observed in regions of nonendemicity of Thailand. All filariasis cases were initially diagnosed based on histological findings. To confirm the causative species, molecular characterization based on both filarial mitochondrial (mt 12S rRNA and COI genes) and nuclear ITS1 markers was performed, together with the identification of associated Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Among the cases studied, Brugia pahangi (N = 3), Brugia malayi (N = 1), Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" (N = 2), and a suspected novel filarial species genetically related to Pelecitus copsychi (N = 1) were identified. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Wolbachia was also molecularly amplified in two cases of infection with Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected Wolbachia could be classified into supergroups C and F, indicating the high genetic diversity of this endosymbiont in Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Furthermore, this study demonstrates the consistency between histological findings and species identification based on mitochondrial loci rather than on the nuclear ITS1. This suggests the utility of mitochondrial markers, particularly COI, as a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of filarial species in clinical specimens. Precise identification of the causative species will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment and is also essential for the development of epidemiological and preventive strategies for filariasis.

Wuchereria bancrofti Lymphatic Filariasis, Barrancabermeja, Colombia, 2023.

We describe a recent case of lymphatic filariasis in Colombia caused by Wuchereria bancrofti nematodes. Our study combines clinical-epidemiologic findings with phylogenetic data. Resurgence of lymphatic filariasis may be linked to increasing urbanization trends and migration from previously endemic regions. Fieldwork can be a beneficial tool for screening and containing transmission.

Clustering of Communicable Diseases in Indonesia and the Factors that Affect Them: 2018 Basic Health Research Data Statistical Review

The prevalence of communicable diseases in Indonesia is still high and causes morbidity and mortality in several Indonesian provinces. This cross-sectional study classified provinces based on the prevalence of seven communicable diseases: acute respiratory infections (ARI), pneumonia, diarrhea, filariasis, malaria, hepatitis, and tuberculosis (TB). The study analyzed the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research data. It is essential to categorize these diseases to identify regions with low, moderate, and high prevalence and the factors that affect them to facilitate the treatment of these diseases. Grouping provinces and influenced factors were analyzed using K-means, ANOVA, and stepwise regression. The results revealed that Group 1 shows a high prevalence, except for hepatitis and diarrhea. Group 2 demonstrates a moderate prevalence, excluding hepatitis and diarrhea, while Group 3 has a low prevalence. Improved access to primary healthcare services reduced the prevalence of pneumonia and TB, while using insecticide-treated mosquito nets for less than three years increased the prevalence of ARI and pneumonia. Adequate bedroom lighting reduced the prevalence of ARI, whereas being underweight in individuals over 18 increased it. In individuals aged 16–18 with short stature, there was an increase in the prevalence of hepatitis and malaria. Regularly draining the bathtub once a week and ensuring proper bedroom ventilation reduced the incidence of diarrhea. Using improved long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for mosquitos led to a decrease in filariasis cases. Specific factors influence each communicable disease and necessitate a multisectoral approach for effective treatment.

Ocular Brugia pahangi Filariasis Complicated by Severe Macular Damage in Thailand: Case Report and Literature Review.

Extralymphatic filariasis caused by filaria of zoonotic origins has been frequently reported in Thailand over recent years. Here, we report the first case of ocular filariasis in a 7.5-year-old Thai boy who initially presented with progressive conjunctival redness and blurred vision in his right eye. A small, slender, coiled worm was found and surgically removed from the right anterior chamber. Histopathological examination illustrated predominant eosinophilic inflammation surrounding the parasite, which showed smooth and thin cuticle, prominent lateral chords, flat and broad muscle cells, one intestine, and two reproductive tubes with unsegmented ova, typically characteristic of a female adult Brugia filarial nematode. The parasite was also molecularly identified as B. pahangi, based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence analysis. The patient was then empirically prescribed albendazole, systemic prednisolone, and topical methylprednisolone. Unfortunately, his vision did not recover after 2 months due to severe maculopathy, most likely resulting from parasitic infestation and subsequent vitreous inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of ocular infestation by B. pahangi with visual complications that occurred outside a filariasis-endemic area of Thailand. Furthermore, this report provides clinical data on preceding cases of B. pahangi filariasis formally reported in southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Malaysia, which facilitate a better understanding of the epidemiology of this sporadic zoonotic infection for effective disease elimination.

Role of buffy coat in detection of microfilaria in absence of eosinophilia: a case report

Filariasis is a very important public health problem endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. It is a debilitating disease with significant socioeconomic burden. In 2016, lymphatic filariasis was successfully eliminated from the Maldives, which was certified by WHO. We report a case of filariasis detected by a rapid antigen test while undergoing a screening program conducted by Health Protection Agency, Maldives in December 2023. The patient was asymptomatic and showed no peripheral blood eosinophilia. Conventional blood smears were negative. Nevertheless, buffy coat smear served as a promising test in detection of parasite, thus confirming the re-emergence of the disease in the country. Therefore, our study highlight the significance of buffy coat smears in detection of hemoparasites. We also focus on the importance of surveillance system in order to sustain the disease elimination goal that was already achieved.

The national distribution of lymphatic filariasis cases in Malawi using patient mapping and geostatistical modelling.

In 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Malawi had successfully eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem. Understanding clinical case distributions at a national and sub-national level is important, so essential care packages can be provided to individuals living with LF symptoms. This study aimed to develop a national database and map of LF clinical cases across Malawi using geostatistical modelling approaches, programme-identified clinical cases, antigenaemia prevalence and climate information. LF clinical cases identified through programme house-to-house surveys across 90 sub-district administrative boundaries (Traditional Authority (TA)) and antigenaemia prevalence from 57 sampled villages in Malawi were used in a two-step geostatistical modelling process to predict LF clinical cases across all TAs of the country. First, we modelled antigenaemia prevalence in relation to climate covariates to predict nationwide antigenaemia prevalence. Second, we modelled clinical cases for unmapped TAs based on our antigenaemia prevalence spatial estimates. The models estimated 20,938 (95% CrI 18,091 to 24,071) clinical cases in unmapped TAs (70.3%) in addition to the 8,856 (29.7%), programme-identified cases in mapped TAs. In total, the overall national number of LF clinical cases was estimated to be 29,794 (95% CrI 26,957 to 32,927). The antigenaemia prevalence and clinical case mapping and modelling found the highest burden of disease in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts in the Southern Region and Karonga district in the Northern Region of the country. The models presented in this study have facilitated the development of the first national LF clinical case database and map in Malawi, the first endemic country in sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the value of using existing LF antigenaemia prevalence and clinical case data together with modelling approaches to produce estimates that may be used for the WHO dossier requirements, to help target limited resources and implement long-term health strategies.

Camel filariasis (Dipetalonema evansi) and its association with clinical balanoposthitis with reference to prominent changes in clinical findings, serum testosterone, semen analysis, and testicular histopathology

BackgroundCamel filariasis induced variable clinical syndromes characterized by fever, lethargy, localized dermal lesions, loss of condition, and testicular and scrotal swelling. The objective of the present work focused on clarifying the diagnostic importance of clinical findings, serum testosterone, and semen analysis as well as blood smear and testicular histopathology as a differential tool between only balanoposthitis without filariasis male camels group (OnlyBpgr) and balanoposthitis-filariasis infected male camels group (BpFlgr). The study also monitored the associations between the severity of ticks’ infestations in investigated male camels and the occurrence of balanoposthitis only or balanoposthitis with filariasis.Results and conclusionsThe study reported significant correlation between serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and sperm vitality and abnormalities percentages. The study included male camels (n = 250) classified into three groups: healthy control group (Contgr; n = 30), OnlyBpgr (n = 210), and BpFlgr (n = 10). These male camels were clinically and laboratory examined, and skin scraping tests and testicular histopathology were conducted. The study confirmed the association of the changes in clinical findings, whole blood picture, serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and semen analysis, with OnlyBpgr and BpFlgr. These changes were more prominent in BpFlgr than in OnlyBpgr. Skin scraping test results revealed a higher severity of live ticks’ infestation in BpFlgr than in OnlyBpgr because, unlike OnlyBpgr, all camels in BpFlgr (n = 10) were suffering from live ticks’ infestation. It also concluded the higher efficacy of histopathology of testicular tissues in male camels as a diagnostic tool for adult filaria in balanoposthitis-affected male camels than blood smear because all cases of camel filariasis in the current work were negative for microfilaria on microscopic examination of diurnal blood smear as well as testicular histopathology revealed detection of adult filaria in all camel filariasis associated with balanoposthitis. Strong correlation relationships were demonstrated between serum testosterone, serum cortisol, and semen analysis results. Positive correlations were reported between serum testosterone levels and sperm vitality percentages. However, negative correlations were stated between serum testosterone and each of serum cortisol and sperm abnormalities either in Contgr, OnlyBpgr, or BpFlgr.

Bayesian spatial hierarchical mixture models for excess zeros data: review and application to female lymphatic filariasis cases

Bayesian spatial hierarchical mixture models for excess zeros data: review and application to female lymphatic filariasis cases

Personal Perceptions of Filariasis of Patients at Kodi Bolaghar Subdistrict, Southwest Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Perception is a mental process that occurs in humans that will show how we see, hear, feel, give, and feel around us. Patients' positive and negative self-perceptions are internal factors that significantly affect the healing process. Chronic filariasis patients experience a decline in physical condition, which becomes a mental burden for the patients and their families. Patients may experience negative stigma from their family and surrounding community. Some communities still believe in myths, supernatural powers, and magic, and patients suffer illness due to their evil deeds or that they have violated cultural norms that were passed down from generation to generation. How patients perceive themselves, their environment, and their families are rarely studied, though this information is essential to elucidate their needs. Kodi Balaghar subdistrict in the Southwest Sumba regency, East Nusa Tenggara, still has many filariasis cases. This study aimed to know the self-perception of filariasis patients in the Kodi Balaghar subdistrict, Southwest Sumba regency. We have selected ten patients to collect answers regarding self-perception from March to May 2021. The results of our study showed that respondents perceive themselves more negatively to both themselves and their families. We conclude that emotional and spiritual support from family, community, religious leaders, and medical personnel are critical to building self-confidence, life expectancy, enthusiasm, and fighting power to survive and undergo treatment for the disease.

The differences in the toxicity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) seed extract and cocoa fruit (Theobroma cacao l.) extract on mortality of Culex spp. mosquito larvae: Elephant foot disease vector

Culex spp. mosquitoes are the main vectors of filariasis. According to the East Java Provincial Health Office on 2018, the total number of filariasis (elephantiasis) cases in East Java Province was 134 cases distributed across 38 districts/cities. So far, the control of Culex mosquitoes has been carried out using synthetic insecticides. The use of synthetic insecticides is considered effective, practical, potent, and economically advantageous. However, continuous and repeated use of synthetic insecticides can lead to environmental pollution, the death of various types of living creatures, and resistance. Synthetic insecticides are hazardous to human and domestic animal health, as well as having an impact on other non-target organisms. An alternative that can be pursued is the use of natural insecticides derived from plants. Jackfruit seeds contain secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and saponins. Meanwhile, cocoa fruit husks contain tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The utilization of compounds present in the extracts of jackfruit seeds (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) and cocoa fruit husks can be used to control the population of Culex spp. mosquitoes, the main vectors of filariasis. The methods employed in this research include extraction, preparation of serial concentrations, colonization of test larvae, preliminary testing, and final testing. The research results reveal the toxicity or LC50 value of jackfruit seed extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) towards Culex spp. mosquito larvae are 430.303 ppm, while the toxicity (LC50) value of cocoa fruit husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) is 306.742 ppm. The conclusion drawn from this research is that the cocoa fruit husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) is more toxic compared to the jackfruit seed extract (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) towards Culex spp. mosquito larvae.

Spatial Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis Case and Mosquito Resting Place in Rural Area of Brebes Regency, Indonesia

Brebes Regency is an endemic area of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and has the highest number of LF cases in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Despite it is located in the coastal region, which is already known as one of the risk factors of LF, the LF case is distributed more in rural areas, away from the shoreline. Adult mosquitoes need a particular site, called a resting place, to rest after and before biting for a blood meal. The purpose of this study was to analyze spatially the distribution of LF cases and mosquito resting places in three subdistricts whose highest LF case is in the Brebes Regency. The three subdistricts are rural areas. The observed resting places were cattle pens, unmaintained bushes, and maintained bushes. The data of LF patients were obtained from the Health Office of Brebes Regency, which stood at 14 patients. Spatial mapping of LF case and mosquito resting place distribution was composed. 4 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from unmaintained bushes, 3 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from cattle pen, and 7 patients were located in the mosquito flight radius from both unmaintained bushes and cattle pen. It indicated unmaintained bushes, together with cattle pen, are the favorable resting place contributing to LF transmission.

Upaya peningkatan pengetahuan masyarakat tentang penyakit filariasis di Desa Kemingking Dalam Kecamatan Taman Rajo

ProvinceJambi is one of the filariasis endemic areas. Almost all regencies / cities in Jambi Province have filariasis cases. Cumulatively the number of chronic filariasis cases reported in Jambi Province in 2014 was 375 cases spread across 9 Regencies / Cities with the highest cases in Muaro Jambi District. Based on the results of the 2014 Finger Blood Survey (SDJ), 180 cases of filariasis in Muaro Jambi District were scattered in 13 health centers in 8 sub-districts of 11 sub-districts. With the discovery of new cases as many as 9 cases. And the most cases were in the MuroKumpeh Health Center area of ​​50 cases. Community service activities are carried out with counseling methods and demonstrations related to filariasis and methods of prevention. From the results of the survey it is known that Muaro Jambi Regency is still an endemic filariasis area with an Mf rate of 1.8%. There was an increase in the average knowledge of the community from before and after the socialization of filariasis in the village of KemingkingDalam.

“Dancing spree” in breast: a rare case presentation

BackgroundFilariasis is a tropical vector-borne disease seen predominantly in endemic areas, and the most common presentation is a lymphatic disorder in the form of lymphangiectasia. This case describes the breast as one of the uncommon sites of involvement by the filarial worm.Case presentationWe report an uncommon case of breast filariasis with chief complaints of a nodular lump in the breast.ConclusionsAs symptoms of breast filariasis can mimic breast malignancy, appropriate diagnosis using real-time ultrasound plays a crucial role to reduce psychological stress on the patient and also helps in planning treatment.

Importance of consultations using mobile teams in the screening and treatment of neglected tropical skin diseases in Benin.

Since 2013, the World Health Organization has recommended integrated control strategies for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations. We evaluated the implementation of an integrated approach to the early detection and rapid treatment of skin NTDs based on mobile clinics in the Ouémé and Plateau areas of Benin. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Ouémé and Plateau in Benin from 2018 to 2020. Consultations using mobile teams were performed at various sites selected by reasoned choice based on the epidemiological data of the National Program for the Control of Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer. All individuals presenting with a dermatological lesion who voluntarily approached the multidisciplinary management team on the day of consultation were included. The information collected was kept strictly anonymous and was entered into an Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analyzed with Stata 11 software. In total, 5,267 patients with various skin conditions consulted the medical team. The median age of these patients was 14 years (IQR: 7-34 years). We saw 646 (12.3%) patients presenting NTDs with skin manifestations, principally scabies, in 88.4% (571/646), followed by 37 cases of Buruli ulcer (5.8%), 22 cases of leprosy (3.4%), 15 cases of lymphatic filariasis (2.3%) and one case of mycetoma (0.2%). We detected no cases of yaws. This sustainable approach could help to decrease the burden of skin NTDs in resource-limited countries.

Spectrum of parasitic infections on fine-needle aspiration cytology presenting as superficial nodules: A retrospective study of 5 years in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Parasitic infestations are very common in a developing nation like India. They may present as superficial nodules and are often either missed or misdiagnosed as other soft-tissue lesions. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an easy, minimally invasive technique to detect, and diagnose these lesions. Parasitic infections are present in every age group with cysticercosis being the most common parasitic infestation. The present study highlights the role of cytology in diagnosing parasitic lesions and also analyzes the spectrum of these lesions in a tertiary care hospital. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the spectrum of parasitic infestations in a tertiary care hospital of North West Delhi over 5 years (2015–2019). This was a retrospective and descriptive study done in the Department of Pathology, Dr. BSA Hospital, Delhi. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six cases out of a total of 15094 FNACs performed over 5 years (2015–2019) that were diagnosed as parasitic lesions on FNAC were included in our study. The records were retrieved, analyzed, and recorded. Clinical details were obtained from the FNAC requisition slips. Results: A total of 66/15094 FNACs conducted over 5 years were diagnosed as parasitic lesions. Fifty-seven cases of cysticercosis, six cases of filariasis, two cases of echinococcosis, and one case of toxoplasmosis were identified. Conclusion: As parasitic infections pose a problem in a developing country like ours; hence, early detection is always helpful and reduces the morbidity associated with it. Careful assessment of cytological material aspirated from superficial nodules can be very helpful in detecting parasites.

Epidemiological Assessment of Lymphatic Filariasis in Pekalongan City, Central Java, Indonesia

Lymphatic filariasis is an infectious disease caused by filarial worms and transmitted by mosquitoes. Pekalongan City is the highest filariasis endemic area caused by Wuchereria bancrofti in Central Java. This is indicated by the microfilaria rate of 2.8% in 2016. To reduce the number of filariasis cases, mass drug administration has been carried out since 2011. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology of the distribution of filariasis endemic areas, microfilaria rate, treatment coverage. mass and the correlation of sociodemographic factors with the incidence of filariasis. The research variables used secondary data in the form of filariasis cases, education, population density, gender and land use. Data analysis used Spearman's correlation. The results showed that cases of filariasis were spread across all districts with an increasing number of endemic areas during 2011-2016. Efforts to mass treatment have not been successful (mf rate > 1% and treatment coverage < 65%) and must be repeated in 2017-2019. Sociodemographic factors were not related to the incidence of clinical or chronic cases of filariasis. To accelerate the achievement of filariasis elimination, it is necessary to add vector control efforts in integrated filariasis management.