Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic Filariasis, also known as Elephantitus, is a disease of the tropics. The disease is caused by parasitic worms including Wuchereia bancrofti, Brugia malayi. Commonly the Filariasis parasite is found in India, Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and south America.

Lymphatic Filariasis is spread by mosquitoes from infected person to the uninfected person. When an infected female mosquito bites a person, it may inject the worm larvae called microfilariae into the blood. These microfilariae reproduce and spread throughout the bloodstream, were they can live for many years. Often disease symptoms do not appear until years after infection. As the parasites accumulate in the blood vessels, they can restrict circulation and cause fluid build up in surrounding tissue. Commonly visible signs of infection are excessively enlarged legs, arms breasts and genitals.

Eliminating the effect of Lymphatic filariasis consists of just simple hygiene practice of...