filáriás

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms of the family Filariidae, which infect humans and other animals. The condition is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, though other insects like blackflies and fleas can also serve as vectors in certain cases. The most common filarial parasites affecting humans include *Wuchereria bancrofti*, *Brugia malayi*, and *Onchocerca volvulus*, each responsible for distinct clinical manifestations.

*Wuchereria bancrofti* and *Brugia malayi* cause lymphatic filariasis, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the lymphatic system. This often leads to lymphedema, or swelling of the limbs, and elephantiasis, a severe thickening and enlargement of affected body parts. The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Symptoms may include fever, chills, and lymphadenitis during acute infections, though many cases remain asymptomatic until complications arise.

*Onchocerca volvulus*, transmitted by the blackfly *Simulium*, causes onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. The parasite burrows under the skin, leading to intense itching, skin thickening, and severe eye damage that can result in blindness. Onchocerciasis is predominantly found in rural areas of Africa, with smaller outbreaks in parts of Central and South America.

Diagnosis typically involves microscopic examination of blood or tissue samples to detect the presence of microfilariae, the larval stage of the parasite. Treatment often includes anthelmintic drugs such as diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, or albendazole, depending on the type of filariasis. Prevention focuses on vector control, such as mosquito eradication programs, and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Public health initiatives have made significant progress in reducing filariasis prevalence through mass drug administration campaigns in affected regions.