The parasites that cause filariasis are a variety of round, coiled, and thread-like parasitic worms that are members of the filaridea family and enter the body through bites from mosquitoes or skin-penetration on their own.
The mosquito species Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia annulifera/M. uniformis, respectively, transmit the disease, which is brought on by the nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi.
In most cases, the disease manifests as hydrocele and leg swelling, and it can lead to a host of social stigmas.
In the early stages, though there are either no symptoms or non-specific symptoms, the lymphatic system is damaged, and this stage can last for several years. Infected people sustain the transmission of the disease, and the long-term physical consequences are painful swollen limbs (lymphoedema or elephantiasis). Hydrocele in males is a disfiguring and disabling disease, which is typically acquired in childhood.
Symptoms of Filaria
The majority of lymphatic filariasis infections are asymptomatic, exhibiting no outward symptoms of infection despite having microfilaria in their blood, and may last for months at this stage.
skin, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels are all involved in sudden episodes of localized inflammation.
Oedema and thickening of the skin and supporting tissues are signs of a chronic condition, which is a classic filarasis symptom.
Oedema in the extremities, breast, or genital area can cause the part to become several times its normal size and is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system’s vessels. It typically affects the lower extremities, but it can also affect the arms, vulva, breasts, and scrotum (creating hydrocele formation).
Causes of Filaria
Wuchereria bancrofti, which causes the majority of cases of filariasis, is spread by the vector mosquitoes Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles, while Brugia malayi, which also causes the disease, is spread by the vector mosquitoes Mansonia and Anopheles, is the other common cause of filariasis.
When a healthy person is bitten by an infected mosquito, the microfilariae larvae move into the lymphatics and lymph nodes where they mature into adult worms and can survive for years.
The cycle is then repeated in another healthy person by the adult parasite, which then produces more microfilariae, which typically circulate in peripheral blood at night and are sucked by mosquitoes during a bite.
Homeopathic Treatment of Filaria
Once Elephantiasis develops, that is, in cases with significant swelling of the hands, legs, genitalia, etc., homeopathic medicines cannot or do not effectively treat the swollen body parts. Instead, they can only help reduce the frequency of Filariasis infection to a limited extent.
Apis mellificaGlossy oedema, burning lips, applying cold, and having little thirst.
Belladonnathrobbing pain, sudden onset, acute congestion, and sensitivity.
Bryonia albahot patient, excessive thirst, motion, pressure, and localized oedema of all kinds, especially fibrotic.
Lycopodiuma patient who is cold, craves sweets and warm foods, and has a tendency to suppurate
Natrum muriaticum: An intolerance for the heat of the sun, a craving for salt and cold, and mental agitation
PulsatillaHot patient, thirsty but not particularly thirsty, mild demeanor
Rhododendran: hydrocele and genital affections in men.
Rhus toxAll recent cases of adendym phangitis or acute episodes as opposed to chronic, recurrent cases feature swelling in the exertion cord.
Sulphurlocalized or generalized cold amel burning, thirst, and skin or gastric disorders may also be present.
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