Filariasis
Filariasis is transmitted by the bite of some species of mosquitoes, flies and midges. There are eight recognised nematode causes of human filariasis. The most important are: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori, which cause lymphatic filariasis; Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness; and Loa loa, which causes loaiasis. Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella streptocerca also infect humans.
Filariasis is not endemic in Australia. Chronic long-term exposure to the parasites is usually necessary for infection, particularly for lymphatic filariasis, so disease is rare in travellers returning from a short trip to an endemic area. Mass drug administration programs are reducing, and in some circumstances eliminating, filariasis and onchocerciasis in endemic regions.
Each infection has a unique presentation and management approach—seek expert advice. Treatment is usually with albendazole, ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine1 or doxycycline, sometimes in combination.