Dr. Jessica Pelletier, John George Johnson, and Dr. Sheikh Omar Bittaye discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, management, and prevention of lymphatic filariasis (LF).

Take-Home Points:

• LF is the second most common mosquito-borne illness after malaria.
• This disease involves repeated cycles of infection and inflammation, much like trachoma, and can cause severe morbidity and social isolation.
• Treatment is with anti-parasitic agents and must be tailored regionally based on which other parasites are co-endemic. Avoid ivermectin where loa loa is prevalent.
• At least 3 weeks of DEC is needed to treat tropical pulmonary eosinophilia from LF.
• MDA and avoiding mosquito bites are critical for interrupting transmission and preventing ongoing infections.

You can view the full show notes and references here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pf4RBMHfHW5GHl2WYK_8PrTl-GOBbz4va_vSnJCmUEM/edit?usp=sharing

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