Filariae: Organism Description and Disease

These flashcards cover the key concepts and vocabulary related to filariae, their description, life cycle, and the diseases they cause.

Filariae

Thread-like nematodes transmitted by arthropod vectors, causing various diseases.

Symbiotic relationship

A close ecological relationship between two different species, such as filariae and Wolbachia bacteria.

Microfilariae

Characteristic tiny, thread-like larvae produced by adult filariae, measuring 250-300μm long.

Definitive host

The organism that harbors the adult stage of a parasite, in this case, vertebrates (mostly mammals).

Intermediate host

The organism that harbors the larval stage of a parasite, which in the case of filariae, is an arthropod.

Wuchereria bancrofti

A species of filariae responsible for lymphatic filariasis; predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Onchocerca volvulus

A species of filariae that causes onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, transmitted by black flies.

Loa loa

A species of filariae that causes loiasis and can be found in the subcutaneous tissue and under the conjunctiva.

Chyluria

The presence of lymph in urine, often a symptom of lymphatic filariasis.

Elephantiasis

A condition resulting from severe lymphatic filariasis, characterized by thickening and hardening of skin and underlying tissues.

Calabar swellings

Localized, non-tender swellings associated with Loa loa infections.

Diurnal periodicity

A characteristic of certain microfilariae, such as those from Loa loa, where they are present in the bloodstream during the day.

Pathology

The study of the effects of diseases on the body, including symptoms and conditions caused by filariae.