Filariasis physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Filariasis patients appear toxic on presentation due to pain. They present with fever called filarial fever. It is an acute self-limited fever present in the beginning of the disease. Edematous plaques may be observed and it is a sign of acute dermatolymphangioadenitis. In onchocerciasis, blindness occurs and subcutaneous nodules may be found. Genitourinary manifestations are also observed in filariasis as hydrocele, chyluria, hematuria and scrotal elephantiasis.

• Patients with filariasis appear toxic due to pain.

• Filarial fever is acute self limited fever and occurs in the beginning of the infection.

• Edematous plaques in acute phase of the disease as a sign of acute dermato-lymphangioadenitis^[1]
• Papular eruptions
• Subcutaneous nodules in cases of onchocercomata

• Blindness
• In Onchocerciasis, the most serious manifestation consists of ocular lesions that can progress to blindness.^[2]
• Subconjunctival migration of an adult worm can be seen in Loiasis.

• Rhonchi may be present in patients with pulmonary tropical eosinophilia syndrome.

• Hepatomegaly

• Lymphedema
• Elephantiasis
• Lymphangitis

• Genitourinary signs that may be detected in filariasis patients:^[3]
  • Hydrocele
  • Scrotal elephantiasis
  • Chyluria as a result of leakage of the lymph into the urine
  • Hematuria
  • Proteinuria

• Lymphadenopathies

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