Filarioidea

Filarioidea is a superfamily of threadlike nematodes that cause infectious disorders in mammals, including humans. These parasites invade the subcutaneous tissues and lymphatics, leading to reactions ranging from inflammation to chronic scarring. The cycle of infection is complex, often involving intermediate hosts like mosquitoes or flies that transmit infectious parasites to humans. Female nematodes produce microscopic embryos called microfilariae, which are ingested by biting insects. Within the insect, these develop into infective larvae, which are then introduced into a new host. In humans, this can result in conditions such as Bancroftian filariasis, filariasis malayi, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and loiasis, with elephantiasis being a severe consequence of untreated Bancroftian filariasis.12