Is elephantiasis caused by?

Is elephantiasis caused by?

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. It is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos.

Is elephantiasis a virus or bacteria?

Elephantiasis is also known as lymphatic filariasis. It’s caused by parasitic worms, and can spread from person to person through mosquitoes. Elephantiasis causes swelling of the scrotum, legs, or breasts. Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD).

Is filariasis caused by roundworms?

Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by an infection with roundworms of the Filarioidea type. These are spread by blood-feeding insects such as black flies and mosquitoes. They belong to the group of diseases called helminthiases.

What mosquito causes elephantiasis?

A wide range of mosquitoes can transmit the parasite, depending on the geographic area. In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles and in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia.

What type of worms cause elephantiasis?

The following 3 types of parasitic roundworms cause elephantiasis: Wuchereria bancrofti worms cause 90 percent of all cases of elephantiasis. Brugia malayi causes most of the others. How does the disease spread? Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the parasites that cause elephantiasis.

What is elephantiasis and how is it spread?

Elephantiasis is caused by parasitic worms that are spread by mosquitoes. There are three types of worms involved: The worms affect the lymphatic system in the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins. If It becomes blocked, then it doesn’t properly remove waste.

What are the symptoms of Filariasis Elephantiasis?

It is caused by the Loa loa worm which burrows itself in the subcutaneous fat layer right under the skin. These worms are responsible for river blindness. The filariasis elephantiasis symptoms include: Damaged lymph system resulting in an impaired immune system. Repeated bacterial infections of the skin.

What is elephantiasis (lymphatic filtration)?

In this Article. Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a very rare condition that’s spread by mosquitoes. The common name is often used because if you have it, your arms and legs can swell and become much bigger than they should be.