Lymphatic Filariasis Zeeshan Waheed Wuchereria Bancrofti Lymphatic Filariasis Zeeshan Waheed

Recap Mosquitoes take up microfilariae when they bite Microfilariae transfer to humans when the mosquito bites one Microfilariae become adults, which make more microfilariae Microfilariae cause obstructions in the lymphatic system, causing extreme swelling in the lower extremities

More Microfilariae take 7-18 months to develop into adults Adult worms can live for up to 7 years within the body 50% of men and 10% of women develop lymphoedema Almost always nonfatal, but can cause permanent kidney and immune system damage

History Well documented in ancient Egyptian murals and Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Persian medical texts Patrick Manson (1844-1922) discovered the aetiology of elephantiasis, effectively creating the field of tropical medicine

Prevalence Affects around 120 million people 40 million seriously infected 1.1 billion at risk of infection India, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Indonesia account for 70% of all cases of Elephantiasis

Are you suggesting coconuts migrate? The mass movement from countryside to cities creates breeding areas for the mosquito vectors War and famine in Africa forced many to disperse from their homelands and congregate in overcrowded urban areas

Help! Help! I'm being repressed! Lack of public education Insufficient funds for medications Lack of effective systems to distribute medication or countermeasures Overcrowding in cities makes for quick spread of disease Low hygiene standards exacerbate lymphoedema

It’s just a flesh wound… Those affected are ostracized from society They are unable to find stability in the form of marriage Employment becomes very difficult

...You must cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... WITH... A HERRING! GAELF is dedicated to eliminating LF worldwide by 2020 Composed of world governments, public and private charitable organizations GSK and Merck & Co. have pledged to donate all of the medications

Large-scale education programs Distribution of mosquito nets First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in my sight, shall snuff it. Large-scale education programs Distribution of mosquito nets Administration of Albendazole and Mectizan once per year to those in endemic areas

It's just like those miserable psalms, always so depressing It's just like those miserable psalms, always so depressing. Now knock it off! Fin