Filariasis

Caring for someone with this diagnosis? Eleplan keeps diagnoses, medications, documents and every specialist in one plan.

Start free with Eleplan

Filariasis

ORPHA:2034Category

What it is

A parasitic disease caused by tissue-invasive, vector-borne nematodes which can be found anywhere in the human body and that are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito or fly or by consumption of unsafe drinking water and which, depending on the subtype can manifest with lymphedema, dermatitis, subcutaneous edema and eye involvement. The disorder is a major public health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries. Six subtypes have been described in the literature: lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, loiasis, mansonelliasis, dirofilariasis and dracunculiasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and filarioidea of the genus Brugia; Onchocerca volvulus; Loa loa; Mansonella; Dirofilaria; and Dracunculus medinensis, respectively. Tropical eosinophilia is considered a frequent manifestation.

Key facts

Prevalence
>1 / 1000 (Specific population)
Age of onset
All ages
Inheritance
Not applicable
Classified as
Category

Prevalence figures describe populations, not individuals, and are often estimates from a single study. Where the figure is an incidence or a birth prevalence, it says so.

ICD-10 codes

B74ICD-10 names this disease exactly

Cross-references

MEDDRA 10016674MESH D005368MONDO 0016075MONDO 16075UMLS C0016085

Orphadata Science: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Data version 2026-06-23. Available under CC BY 4.0. This is a reference, not medical advice.

Powered by Eleplan

A rare diagnosis is just the start. Eleplan keeps the whole care plan in one place.

Diagnoses, medications, documents, appointments, and the whole care team — organized and always in sync, so you are not retelling the same story to every new specialist. With Ellie, your AI care assistant, on top of it. Free to start.