[Clinical manifestations of lymphatic bancroftian filariasis]

A review of clinical manifestations of bancroftian filariasis, based on the literature and in the authors' experience, suggests a general classification in to six groups: 1) Normal endemics; 2) Individuals bearing microfilaremia; 3) Acute manifestations; 4) Chronic manifestations; 5) Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia; 6) Controversial forms. An overview on diagnostic procedures and the immunologic relationship between host and parasite was made in each group. Final considerations about treatment was also considered.