Filaria nocturna is a parasitic organism that infects humans through mosquito bites. The spelling of this word is derived from the Latin term "filaria," which means thread-like. The first syllable is pronounced as "fi" with the letter "f" sounding like "fuh" and the second syllable is pronounced as "la" with the letter "a" sounding like "uh." The final two syllables, "nocturna," refer to its nocturnal habits. The "n" is pronounced as "nuh," the "c" is pronounced as "kuh", and the final "a" is pronounced as "ah."
Filaria nocturna is a parasitic nematode worm of the family Filariidae, known scientifically as Wuchereria bancrofti. It is one of the major causes of lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people in over 80 countries worldwide. Filaria nocturna is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera.
Once inside the human body, Filaria nocturna larvae migrate to the lymphatic system, where they mature into adult worms. The adult female worms, which can measure up to several centimeters in length, produce thousands of microscopic larvae called microfilariae. These microfilariae circulate in the bloodstream and can be picked up by biting mosquitoes, completing the life cycle.
Infection with Filaria nocturna often remains asymptomatic for years or even decades. However, as the disease progresses, adult worms can block the lymphatic vessels, leading to the characteristic symptoms of lymphatic filariasis. These include chronic swelling and thickening of the limbs (elephantiasis), recurrent episodes of acute inflammation (lymphangitis), and damage to the kidneys and lymphatic system.
Prevention and control of Filaria nocturna infection involve mosquito control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying. Mass drug administration programs using drugs like diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin are also employed to treat and prevent the spread of the disease. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications associated with Filaria nocturna infection.
F. bancrofti.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Filaria nocturna" is derived from Latin.
- "Filaria" comes from the Latin word "fīlum", meaning "thread", which refers to the thread-like appearance of these parasitic nematodes.
- "Nocturna" comes from the Latin word "nocturnus", meaning "related to the night". It denotes the nocturnal periodicity or activity of these filarial worms.