Question

briefly describe why filarial parasites undergo nocturnal periodicity. what account for this phenomenon and it relevance to the parasite

Answer 1

Studies demonstrated that the circadian rhythm of filariae is associated with the periodic migration of filariae between the peripheral blood and the lung capillaries. As a result, periodicity in the circulation of microfilariae in the blood occurs in the peripheral circulation during midnight and is absent during daylight with a diurnal concentration in the lung. It was found that the microfilariae cannot pass capillaries easily during the daytime. As a result, their migration in the peripheral blood is active during midnight.