Mass drug administration programs against lymphatic filariasis can result in a number of adverse effects associated with the death of the filaria and the host response.
Mechanism: allergic/immune response to dead filaria; local tissue reaction to dead filaria
Adverse events include:
(1) transient lymphedema
(2) scrotal swelling (in males)
(3) skin nodules or subcutaneous swellings
(4) lymphadenitis (axilla, groin)
(5) systemic reaction (fever, headache, myalgia)
Differential diagnosis:
(1) toxic effects of medications
(2) comorbid condition
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