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    Filariasis

    Uploaded by

    Othmaen Parec Jr.
    Community health nursing topic

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    Filariasis

    Uploaded by

    Othmaen Parec Jr.
    10 views2 pages
    Community health nursing topic

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    Community health nursing topic

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    10 views2 pages

    Filariasis

    Uploaded by

    Othmaen Parec Jr.
    Community health nursing topic

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
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    FILARIASIS/ELEPHANTIASIS

    Filariasis is a tropical parasitic disease that affects the lymph nodes, lymph vessels and
    subcutaneous tissue. It's spread by infected mosquitoes; otherwise known as elephantiasis. It's
    caused by infection with parasite classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family
    Filarioidea. There are 3 types of thread-like filaria worms:

    Wuchereria bancrofti

    Brugia malayi

    Brugia timori

    TYPES OF FILARIASIS

    1. Lymphatic filariasis: here, the lymphatic system especially the lymph nodes are infected by
    the worms. Mostly it's acquired during childhood.

    2. Subcutaneous filariasis: this involve the subcutaneous tissue or the subcutaneous fat layer
    under the skin. And it's caused by loa loa, onchocerca volvulus, mansonella streptocerca,
    dracunculus medinensis.

    SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     Pruritis, muscle pain, body ache, lympangitis, swelling under the skin, swelling of the
    scrotum, lymphaedema, arthritis, fluid collection and swelling, decrease immune system.

     Most lymphatic filariasis is asymptomatic but symptoms may appear years after been
    infected.

    PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

    1. Filariasis occurs when a larvae carrying mosquitoe bites an individual, introducing this larvae
    into the skin. The larvae then enters into the bloodstream through the open skin and spread to
    different sites such as lymphatic vessels, and subcutaneous tissues.

    2. At this site, the larvae mature in a 6-12-month period into an adult filariae which can live up
    to 15 years. The reproduction continues producing microfilariae which is immature and kept
    within the bloodstream.

    3. When the individual is bitten by a mosquito again, the cycle will start again. Due to this
    reaction, patient will present the following signs and symptoms; lymphangitis, lymphaedema,
    etc.

    1
    DIAGNOSES

     History taking and physical examination

     Polymerase chain reaction PCR, blood smear, US-scan, etc

    NURSING MANAGEMENT

     Assess skin color and integrity

     Monitor patient vital signs

     Provide wound care if needed

     Elevate affected body area to reduce swelling

     Patient and family reassurance and health education (preventive measures)

     Administer prescribed medications

    MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

     DEC 2-3mg/kg t.d.s

     Ivermectin 150 micro gram/kg single dose, but may be repeated 3-12 months

     Moxidectin 8mg o.d

     Doxycycline 100mg b.d or 200mg for start dose, then 100mg b.d for 4-6 weeks

    PREVENTION

     Always sleep in a well ventilated room under an ITN at night

     Avoid wearing short sleeves and trousers that exposed your body to mosquitoes

     Fortify your windows and doors with net to block mosquitoes from entering

     Antimicroscopic worm medications should be distributed to mosquito prone areas

     Always cut grasses around your house; avoid keeping dirty swamps and stagnant dirty water

     Hand hygiene when due

     Health educate the community and also engage in global campaign

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