Elephantiasis

Wuchereria Bancrofti is the causative agent of Lymphatic filariasis.  This disease is transferred by mosquitoes and is found mainly in the tropics and sub-tropics.  It is very rarely found in Western countries. Onset is seen after puberty in most cases. The onset of symptoms is usually slow, but after a couple of years, the lymphatic system will no longer works like it should, and the lymph nodes become enlarged and clogged. Swelling, discoloration, and thickening of the skin occur. Without treatment, the tissue infected with Lymphatic filariasis develops into Elephantiasis.  Elephantiasis is the thickening of skin and other tissues to produce huge growths on a person’s body.  The growths result from the blocking of lymphatic vessels by the parasite. Elephantiasis is usually found in the lower regions of the body, but W. Bancrofti can affect the arms, legs, and breasts. 

 
The individuals above are all infected with W. bancrofti. The individual on the left has the lymphatic vessels in the left leg blocked causing the massive growths. The individuals on the right have blockage in their scrotal area.

Click here to find out about another nematode: Human hookworm