Filariasis
(Elephantiasis, river blindness/onchocerciasis)
Material: | EDTA-monovette for “thick drop smear” and blood slide. Depending on species, microfilaria periodically remain in the peripheral blood. This should be considered at the time of extraction (Brugia and Wucheria: 21:00 – 2:00, Loa loa: 11:00 – 13:00). Precise microscopic detection of filaria in special laboratories. Pathogen detection: Demonstration of Onchocerca volvulus from skin excisions (skin snips), special laboratory/external service Antibody-demonstration: 1 ml serum, external service |
Methods: |
Mikroskopie → Hellfeldmikroskopie Ligandenassays → Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Ligandenassays → Immunoblot | Criteria for evaluation | IgG: < 10 MONA |
Indication | Suspicion of lymphatic filariasis, suspicion of loiasis, suspicion of onchocerciasis |
Comment | Please also refer to: “Nematodes” |
Please note | Wucheria bancrofti and Brugia malayi/timori: Pathogens of lymphatic filariasis; transmission by mosquitos, distribution areas are Central Africa, South America, India and South East Asia. Prepatent period of several months. Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis, fever, eosinophilia, swelling of various skin- and body parts, which chronically lead to elephantiasis, chyluriasis and hydrocele. Loa loa: Pathogen of loiasis, transmission by chrysops-horseflies, spread is restricted to West- and Central Africa, prepatent period 1 – 4 years. Migrating edematous skin swelling, conjunctival infection. Onchocerca volvulus (River blindness/onchocerciasis): Pathogen of onchocerciasis, distribution areas are West- and Central Africa, some countries in Central- and South America and Yemen, transmission by black flies. Prepatent period 1 – 2 years. Subcutaneous nodes, itching, corneal clouding. Serology: Nematode blot. Cross-reactions with other nematodes and echinococcus are possible. |
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