Díaz-Menéndez Marta, Norman Francesca, Monge-Maillo Begoña, Pérez-Molina José Antonio, López-Vélez Rogelio
Unidad de Medicina Tropical, Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin. 2011 Dec;29 Suppl 5:27-37. doi: 10.1016/S0213-005X(11)70041-6.
Filariases are infections caused by distinct species of nematodes. These infections are transmitted through insect bites and primarily affect lymph nodes and skin. Filariases are classified as neglected diseases and affect millions, producing severe disability and social stigma. This type of infection is rarely diagnosed in travellers, as prolonged stays in endemic areas are usually required acquire infection. Infections may be asymptomatic, and clinical manifestations depend on the host immune response to the infection and the parasite burden. Diagnosis is based on the demonstration of microfilariae in blood or skin, but there are other methods that support the diagnosis. Individual treatment is effective, but community interventions, mostly mass drug administration, have helped to diminish the incidence of filariases.
丝虫病是由不同种类的线虫引起的感染。这些感染通过昆虫叮咬传播，主要影响淋巴结和皮肤。丝虫病被归类为被忽视的疾病，影响着数百万人，会导致严重残疾和社会污名化。这种感染在旅行者中很少被诊断出来，因为通常需要在流行地区长期停留才会感染。感染可能没有症状，临床表现取决于宿主对感染的免疫反应和寄生虫负荷。诊断基于在血液或皮肤中发现微丝蚴，但也有其他方法辅助诊断。个体治疗是有效的，但社区干预措施，主要是大规模药物给药，有助于降低丝虫病的发病率。
