[Filariasis in clinical practice].

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Filariases are nematode infections transmitted by insect bites, impacting lymph nodes and skin.
• These neglected diseases affect millions, causing severe disability and social stigma.
• Rarely diagnosed in travelers, infections can be asymptomatic or manifest based on host immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the nature, diagnosis, and control of filariases.
• To highlight the impact of filariases as neglected tropical diseases.
• To discuss diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for filariases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on filariases.
• Analysis of diagnostic approaches, including microfilariae detection.
• Evaluation of treatment and community intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Filariases are caused by nematodes and transmitted via insect vectors.
• Diagnosis relies on detecting microfilariae, supported by other methods.
• Individual treatment is effective, and mass drug administration reduces incidence.

Conclusions:

• Filariases represent a significant global health burden, classified as neglected diseases.
• Early diagnosis and effective treatment, alongside community interventions, are crucial for control.
• Continued efforts in mass drug administration are vital to diminish filariases incidence.