About Lymphatic Filariasis | Filarial Worms | CDC Overview Lymphatic filariasis, sometimes called LF, is a disease caused by an infection with thread-like parasitic worms A parasite is an organism (a living thing) that lives on or inside another organism
Symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis | Filarial Worms | CDC Symptoms The parasite that causes lymphatic filariasis attacks an infected person's lymph system This system maintains the body's fluid balance and fights infections
Clinical Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis | Filarial Worms | CDC Treatment options Antiparasitic treatment The main goal of treating a person with lymphatic filariasis is to kill the adult worm Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), which is both microfilaricidal and active against the adult worm, is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis
What Causes Lymphatic Filariasis | Filarial Worms | CDC Causes Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic worms that are too small to be seen without a microscope There are three species of the parasite that can cause this illness
About Mansonellosis | Filarial Worms | CDC How it spreads Mansonellosis spreads through the bite of an infectious midge, or small fly When a midge bites a person with mansonellosis, it consumes microfilariae, or microscopic immature worms, from the infected person's skin