What Is Microbiology - Lymphatic Obstruction

​Lymphatic Obstruction 

Lymphatic obstruction is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. Wuchereria bancrofti can be detected from thick smear blood examination from blood sample taken at 10 pm to 4 am due to Wuchereria microfilariae transmission into the blood at night.

Wuchereria bancrofti is a nematode roundworm. Culex mosquito or Anopheles mosquito are considered as vector in transmitting Wuchereria bancrofti.

The larvae will penetrate the skin after bite from the mosquito. The larvae will migrate to the regional lymph nodes. Larvae may develop into adults after 6 months to 12 months incubation period. There will be production of microfilariae larvae which will migrate into the blood at night time. 

As a consequences, there will be obstruction and edematous lymphatic lesion. 

Patient may present with symptoms such as chills, lymphadenitis, eosinophilia and fever. Chronic cases may lead to inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic system. This will finally results in elephantiasis or filariasis. 

The prevention methods may include considering insect repellant or mosquito nets. Diethylcarbamazines is given to the patient to kill the worms and surgery is considered to relieve the obstruction.