1. Lymphatic Filariasis Zeeshan Waheed
Wuchereria Bancrofti
Lymphatic Filariasis
Zeeshan Waheed

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. ...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

10. 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

11. 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