Cutaneous Filariasis
Aleyris Martinez
Common and Scientific Name
Skin worms is the common name for this roundworms. The scientific name is cutaneous filariasis.
Lifestyle
- It is travels through an infected fly that carries the larvae. It lands on human skin which then the fly bites the human and inserts the worm into the bite wound.
- The fly ingests microfilariae (baby larvae) during a blood meal. After ingestion, the microfilariae migrate to the thoracic muscles of the arthropod, where they develop into third-stage infective larvae.
- At first it gets into the blood then it works its way to the lungs.
Treatment
- Antiparasitic drugs
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines- to reduce the itch
- Corticosteroids- to immune the response to the worm
- Analgesics- for pain relief
Location
There many types of skin worms and all of them are found in all parts of Africa.
PREVENTION!!!!
- Repellent sprays and other applications may be effective but it's important to use the right type against these insects that carry the infection.
- Nets over the bed and insect screens on the doors and windows may also help.
Cites
"Skin Worms (Cutaneous Filariasis) Types, Treatment, Prevention."Healthhypecom. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2015.
"Cutaneous Filariasis. Free Medical Information. Patient | Patient."Patient. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2015.