RT Book, Section A1 Dulek, Daniel E. A2 Kline, Mark W. SR Print(0) ID 1182903974 T1 Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis T2 Rudolph's Pediatrics, 23e YR 2018 FD 2018 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781259588594 LK accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1182903974 RD 2024/10/10 AB Filarial worms are parasitic nematodes that dwell within the lymphatics and the subcutaneous tissues. Eight filarial species are associated with human disease, though only 4 cause significant morbidity in children (Table 323-1). These species include the causative agents of lymphatic filariasis—Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori—and Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of onchocerciasis. The filarial parasites can be distinguished by their geographic distribution, vector, anatomic location of adult worms, and anatomic location and periodicity of microfilaria detection. Of the human filarial parasites, W bancrofti is, by far, the most important in terms of both morbidity and numbers of people infected. O volvulus remains an important cause of worldwide morbidity, especially in Africa. With elimination of O volvulus from selected transmission zones in the Americas, there is hope of eventual elimination from Africa.