What is the Difference Between Malaria and Filariasis?

Malaria and filariasis are both mosquito-borne diseases caused by different parasites. The key differences between the two are as follows:

• Causative agents: Malaria is caused by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes infected with the protozoan genus Plasmodium species. Filariasis, on the other hand, is caused by the infections of filarial nematode diseases, including lymphatic filariasis, mansonellosis, and loiasis through the bite of Anopheles and other vectors.
• Mosquito species: Malaria is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, while filariasis is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes.
• Diagnosis: Malaria is diagnosed by microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT), or molecular methods. Filariasis is diagnosed by direct microscopy, leukoconcentration, circulating filarial antigen (RDT), or molecular methods.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, feeling discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, rapid breathing, muscle or joint pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing. Filariasis often presents with lymphoedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis.
• Geographical distribution: Both diseases are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America, but their distribution patterns may vary. Malaria is more widespread, while filariasis is more localized.
• Prevalence: The prevalence of malaria and filariasis co-infections is reported to be 2.3% in Africa, 0.2% in Asia, and 1.6% in South America.
• Transmission dynamics: Differences in transmission dynamics of these parasites and vector competence may contribute to the varying relationships between malaria and filariasis in different locations.

Comparative Table: Malaria vs Filariasis

Malaria and filariasis are both vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. However, they are caused by different parasites and present distinct symptoms and complications. Here is a table highlighting the differences between malaria and filariasis:

Malaria is caused by the bite of an Anopheles mosquito infected with Plasmodium species, while filariasis is caused by the bite of a Culex mosquito infected with filarial nematodes. The complications involved in malaria include cerebral malaria, breathing problems, organ failure, anemia, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), whereas complications in filariasis include lymphedema, elephantiasis, hydrocele, and scrotal swelling.