Brugia pahangi is a parasitic roundworm that belongs to the Filarioidea family and is known to infect animals, particularly mammals. It is considered one of the major causative agents of lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of individuals in various regions of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia.
This tiny nematode worm typically resides in the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes of the host, where it reproduces and causes significant damage to the lymphatic system. The life cycle of Brugia pahangi involves different developmental stages, including microfilariae, which are small and thread-like immature worms that circulate in the bloodstream. These microfilariae are ingested by vectors, such as mosquitoes, which serve as intermediate hosts for the parasite.
When an infected mosquito bites a mammalian host, it transfers the infective larvae of Brugia pahangi into the host's skin, where they penetrate the tissues and migrate to the lymphatics, initiating an ongoing infection. Over time, the adult worms can obstruct the lymphatic vessels, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and even permanent disability in severe cases.
The diagnosis of Brugia pahangi infection is often accomplished through microfilarial detection in blood samples or by serological methods. Treatment typically involves the administration of antiparasitic drugs, such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), to kill the adult worms and prevent further transmission. Overall, controlling and preventing Brugia pahangi infection is an important aspect of public health efforts to reduce the burden of lymphatic filariasis and improve the well-being of affected individuals.
