Tropical filarial pulmonary eosinophilia (TFPE) is a clinical lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
manifestation caused by parasitic nematodes inhabiting the lymphatic and bloodstream. TFPE is
an immune hyper-responsiveness to microfilariae that become lungs trapped in filariasis endemic
tropical area especially among young adults, and four to seven times more common in males
than in females.
Clinical manifestations usually start gradual. Symptoms include a dry, hacking, non-productive
cough frequently paroxysmal and nocturnal, Asthma-like attacks associated with breathlessness
and wheezing. Other symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, and malaise. But, dyspnea on
exertion is relatively uncommon.