Some recent work on filariasis

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Abstract
Laboratory studies on filariae (Litomosoides carinii Dirafilaria repens, and a form from the monkey) give new knowledge on the behavior of microfilariae. Hetrazan (1-diethyl-carbamyl-4-methylpiperazine) destroyed the microfilariae of Litomsoides and of Wuchereria bancrofti in circulating blood, but not in serous cavities. Onchocerca microfilariae are destroyed less rapidly but just as effectively. Hetrazan seems to have but little effect on the adult worms. D. repens larvae are not affected by the drug while in the mosquito, and immature Litomosoides are similarly immune although infective larvae of L. carinii do not develop normally in the presence of the drug. Hetrazan is well tolerated by man, except in cases of onchocerciasis where allergic reactions are at first quite severe although of short duration. Periodic microfilariae''from the monkey are known to congregate in the lungs during the daytime, and it is possible that this organ may be the daytime reservoir in the case of all such periodic microfilariae. Preliminary trials with arsenamide are promising.