Authors
Kalluzhathil Koshy Mathew, MDSenior Consultant Physician
Abstract
Introduction: Filariasis, commonly caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, leads to lymphatic dilatation, lymphoedema, and inflammation. Current treatments like Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, and Ivermectin are standard, but resistance or inadequate response can occur. This report presents the efficacy of Linezolid, an oxazolidinone antimicrobial, in two cases of filariasis.
Case Presentation: Case 1 involved a 27-year-old woman with left leg swelling, a known filariasis patient previously treated with Diethylcarbamazine. Case 2 was a 78-year-old man with chronic filariasis (5 decades) presenting with fever, body aches, and chills that had become resistant to standard therapy including Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, and Ivermectin. Both patients had no specific diagnostic tests for active microfilaria due to their known filariasis status.
Intervention and Outcomes: Both patients were administered Linezolid 600 mg orally twice daily for 7 days. A dramatic recovery was observed in both cases, with complete resolution of symptoms, including oedema in Case 1, within the treatment period. No adverse side effects were reported. Both patients remained asymptomatic during a 6-month follow-up.
Conclusion: This case series suggests that Linezolid may be an effective treatment option for filariasis, particularly in cases demonstrating resistance to conventional anthelmintic drugs. This study is the first to report such efficacy. Further research with larger patient cohorts is recommended to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanism of action.