Elephantitis (Lymphatic Filariasis, elephantiasis)

Elephantitis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread like worms. The adult worms live only inhuman lymphatic system.

It is a mosquito borne parasitic disease caused by thread like worms that live in the human lymph system. The worms causing this are wuchereria bancrofti, brugia malayi and brugia timori.

The enlargement of the limbs and other areas occur due to obstruction of lymphflow. Due to lymphatic obstruction, the back pressure in the lymphatic channels develops leading to dilatation of the superficial vessels, resulting in extreme swelling.

Signs and symptoms

 Diagnosis:

• Microscopic examaintion of the blood for the parasite

• Lymphnode biopsy

Complications of Elephantitis

• Lymph system damage

• Kidney damage

• Pain

• Disfigurement

• Sexual disability

• Social rejection

Treatment of Elephantitis

• Diethylcarbamazine

• Antihistamines

• Corticosteriods

• In severe cases surgery may be needed.