Elephantiasis is a parasitic infection spread by the female mosquito. Gross enlargement of organs, more particularly the limbs occur during elephantiasis and the legs would be similar to that of an elephant’s leg. Other areas like hands and genitals can also get enlarged due to this disease. The lymphatic system is spread evenly in the body supported with nodes and blood vessels. The main function of lymphatic system is to drain off any tissue fluid which cannot pass into the bloodstream and filtering the micro-organisms from the fluid. The system would return the blood back into the vein that is carried to the heart for purification.
Sometimes lymphatic node may develop swelling causing lymphadenitis. Obstruction of normal blood flow can lead to considerable collection of lymph in specific areas. Inflammation of lymph nodes would block the normal functions of the lymphatic system resulting in accumulation of fluid in one part. Lower limbs are more prone to inflammation than other nodes leading to accumulation of fluid causing elephantiasis. Lymphatic filariasis is common in certain regions causing elephantiasis for many people. Often elephantiasis occurs due to parasitic infection. Other causes include sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis infection and repeated strep infections. Exposure to certain chemicals like silica can also cause elephantiasis.
Elephantiasis Types :
- Filiarial Elephantiasis – It is the first type which is caused by parasitic worms like Brugia malayi or Wuchereria bancrofii. More than 90% of elephantiasis is caused by Wuchereria bancrofii worm. The larva of this worm is transmitted by the mosquito into the body. Gradually the larva would move towards the lymphatic system until it completes its life cycle turning into an adult worm. It may take several years for the larva to become an adult.
- Non-Filarial Type – Other factors that causes lymphedema is grouped under non-filiarial elephantiasis. Environmental factors, exposure to certain chemicals and genetic factors can also cause elephantiasis.
How The Worms Affect The Lymph Nodes?