Lymphatic Filariasis or Elephantiasis is caused by several rounds, coiled and thread-like parasitic worms belonging to the
family filaridea. These parasites after getting deposited on the skin penetrate on their own or through the opening created by mosquito bites to reach the lymphatic system. The disease is caused by the nematode worm, either Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi and transmitted by ubiquitous mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia annulifera/M.uniformis respectively. Filariasis is characterized by fever, chills, headache, and skin lesions in the early stages and, if untreated, can progress to include gross enlargement of the limbs and genitalia.
Lymphatic Filariasis is said to be a disease of poverty because it is endemic in poor tropical countries. It is also an important public health and socio-economic problem worldwide. It affects 120 million people in over 80 countries of which, about 14 million suffer from lymph edema or elephantiasis of legs. The disease is prevalent in urban and rural areas affecting people of all ages and both sexes, particularly those of low socioeconomic status. (www.filarialjournal.com)
The disease is even recognized as second leading cause of disability worldwide because of its physical, psychological and social impact to the affected individual. Economic burden is also an issue, although treatments are available, yet because those who are affected are poorest of the poor they just cannot avail of the drugs especially surgery to those who suffer from hydrocele.
Physical impact is very evident to the victims and because of the
manifestations of edema especially in the lower extremities, resembling like the feet of an elephant, making it more difficult for them to move around and do their activities of daily living. Most of the victims also experience thickening of the skin and having undesirable odor. Because of these manifestations, they are often not employed or cannot work in the farm thus making life a day to day struggle.
Lymphatic Filariasis is said to be a disease of poverty because it is endemic in poor tropical countries. It is also an important public health and socio-economic problem worldwide. It affects 120 million people in over 80 countries of which, about 14 million suffer from lymph edema or elephantiasis of legs. The disease is prevalent in urban and rural areas affecting people of all ages and both sexes, particularly those of low socioeconomic status. (www.filarialjournal.com)
The disease is even recognized as second leading cause of disability worldwide because of its physical, psychological and social impact to the affected individual. Economic burden is also an issue, although treatments are available, yet because those who are affected are poorest of the poor they just cannot avail of the drugs especially surgery to those who suffer from hydrocele.
Physical impact is very evident to the victims and because of the manifestations of edema especially in the lower extremities, resembling like the feet of an elephant, making it more difficult for them to move around and do their activities of daily living. Most of the victims also experience thickening of the skin and having undesirable odor. Because of these manifestations, they are often not employed or cannot work in the farm thus making life a day to day struggle.
Moreover, chronic manifestations of Filariasis can have significant, and often very negative, social impacts. It has a profoundly detrimental effect on the quality of life of the affected individuals that even marital and sexual problems will be a big issue in relation to this disease. The degree of social disability varies between cultural settings, but the degree of stigmatization appears to be directly correlated with the severity of visible disease. (Filariasis,www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/85/6/06-031047/en/)
Evident crises in relation to Filariasis include Emotional as well as Spiritual. In addition, affected individuals avoid seeking treatment for fear of drawing attention to their condition. Failure to treat the disease results in recurrent acute febrile attacks and progressive damage to the lymphatic system. Without access to simple hygiene advice, sufferers are unable to prevent further progression of the outwardly visible complications of Filariasis. (Filariasis,www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/85/6/06-031047/en/).