Non‐endemic cases of lymphatic filariasis

Abstract

Abstractobjective Several cases of lymphatic filariasis (LF) have been reported in non-endemic countries due to travellers, military personnel and expatriates spending time in and returning from endemic areas, as well as immigrants coming from these regions. These cases are reviewed to assess the scale and context of non-endemic presentations and to consider the biological factors underlying their relative paucity.methods Cases reported in the English, French, Spanish and Portuguese literature during the last 30 years were examined through a search of the PubMed, ProMED-mail and TropNet resources.results The literature research revealed 11 cases of lymphatic filariasis being reported in nonendemic areas. The extent of further infections in recent migrants to non-endemic countries was also revealed through the published literature.conclusions The life-cycle requirements of Wuchereria and Brugia species limit the extent of transmission of LF outside of tropical regions. However, until elimination, programmes are successful in managing the disease, there remains a possibility of low rates of infection being reported in nonendemic areas, and increased international travel can only contribute to this phenomenon. Physicians need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of lymphatic filariasis, and infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of people with a relevant travel history.

Lymphatic pathology in asymptomatic and symptomatic children with Wuchereria bancrofti infection in children from Odisha, India and its reversal with DEC and albendazole treatment

“…In addition to the benefits of single dose DEC and albendazole in the elimination of LF disease from endemic areas, it could also be of significance in LF non-endemic areas [ 33 ]. It is well understood that, despite threat of infection diminishing in many areas, increased travel to tropical regions exposes more people to filariasis [ 34 ].…”

Chyluria: what does the clinician need to know?

“…Chyluria remains endemic in parts of Asia, especially India and also Sub-Saharan Africa. 2 Lymphatic filariasis, which is estimated to affect 120 million people worldwide, is often associated with this parasite, and chyluria can be a late manifestation of this disease in around 10% of cases. 3 Non-parasitic causes of chyluria are reported to affect men and women in equal distribution; however, parasitic causes affect the former in up to 86% of cases.…”

“… 3 Chyluria is more prevalent in the rural population and is associated with lower socioeconomic status. 2 However, cases caused by Wuchereria bancrofti are transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which in areas of Sri Lanka are found in more urbanised areas. 4 …”

Eosinophilia in Infectious Diseases

“…Lymphatic filariaisis is a chronic filarial infection that may present acutely with retrograde adenolymphangitis or subacutely with lymphedema of the extremities or scrotum [173-175]. Approximately 20% of patients chronically infected will have eosinophilia [176].…”