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StatPearls, LLC

  • Elephantiasis, Filarial
  • Filariasis
  • Loiasis
  • Mass Drug Administration
  • Onchocerciasis

Filariasis

Filariasis is a parasitic infection caused by nematodes transmitted through insect vectors. Lymphatic filariasis, the most common form, is associated with Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, or Brugia timori. Other forms include loiasis from Loa loa and onchocerciasis, or river blindness, from Onchocerca volvulus. Clinical manifestations differ by type and duration of infection. Lymphatic filariasis may remain asymptomatic for years while damaging the lymphatic system, kidneys, and immune function. Chronic complications, including lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis, can impair mobility, productivity, and social participation. Loiasis may involve neurologic, cardiac, or renal complications, while onchocerciasis often causes dermatitis, epilepsy, and irreversible vision loss. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment supported by laboratory testing, such as antigen assays, blood smears, or skin snips. Management includes antiparasitic medications, hygiene-based interventions, vector control, and, in selected cases, surgery. Prevention is achieved through personal protective measures and mass drug administration in endemic regions. This course enhances clinician competence in diagnosing and managing filariasis using evidence-based strategies. Participants learn to select appropriate therapies, tailor care to patients with coinfections or contraindications, and promote long-term recovery. Collaboration with interprofessional teams improves patient outcomes: nurses reinforce hygiene and limb care, pharmacists optimize medication safety and adherence, public health professionals coordinate mass drug administration, and rehabilitation specialists address functional impairment.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

IPCE CreditsUp to 2 creditsAAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 2 creditsNursingUp to 2 creditsPharmacyUp to 2 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 2 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 2 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 2 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 2 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 2 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 2 credits
  • MOC · Up to 2 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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