Filariasis

Paul G. Auwaerter, M.D.

MICROBIOLOGY

Nematode parasite transmitted by mosquitoes.
Most disease caused by species of tissue-dwelling nematodes, agents of lymphatic filariasis:
- Wuchereria bancrofti (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Pacific islands)
  - Life cycle [Fig 1] disease acquired mosquitoes transmitted third stage larvae during a blood meal.
- Onchocerca volvulus (Africa >> Latin America, Middle East)
- Brugia malayi (South-east Asia)
- Brugia timori (Indonesia)
Transmitted by night- or day-biting mosquitoes (Anopheles, Culex).
Other less common species involved include Mansonella perstans, M. streptocerca, and M. ozzardi.
See Loa loa or Onchocerca volvulus modules for information on these filarial parasites.

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