Disease Description
Lymphatic chronic filariasis is the main cause of elephantiasis due to occlusion of lymphatic vessels by the worms. It causes disfiguring of the affected part of the body due to edema and skin thickening. The Culex mosquito, the Anopheles and the Aedes mosquito are the vectors carrying the parasites at specific stages of their development. Elephantiasis causes peripheral edema of the upper limbs and the lower limbs. Filariasis infection mainly affects the lymphatic system. It plays a major role in regulating tissue pressure, regulating the immune system and absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. Lymphatic vessels carry lymph from the interstitial spaces. The spleen together with other lymph nodes produces white blood cell that protect the body from bacteria. According to Mohan, Bisht, Goel & Garg (2012) women have a reduced incidence of filarial infection as compared to men. However, due to the chance of developing vulva filariasis, the complications are often worse than those in men.
