Brugia Malayi

Brugia malayi is a species of helminth in the family Filariidae, class nematodes. The definitive host of B. malayi is humans and monkeys, and the intermediate host is mosquitoes of the genera Mansonia, Anopheles and Aedes.

Adult B. malayi parasitize human lymphatic vessels, and larvae circulate in the circulatory system. This parasite is the causative agent of the disease Brugioz, which attacks the lymphatic system and causes lymphedema.

B. malayi is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, India and Indonesia. Infection occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito. Diagnosis is based on the detection of microfilariae in the blood. Treatment is carried out with the help of anthelmintic drugs. Prevention includes protection from mosquito bites and identification of patients for timely treatment.