Elephantiasis, a tropical disease (NTD), is brought about by parasitic worms. It is spread through mosquitoes. You may be wondering, “Which mosquito causes elephantiasis?” Larvae transmitted by mosquitoes are laid on the skin, gaining entry into the body. Subsequently, these larvae migrate to the lymphatic vessels, where they mature into adult worms. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the causes of elephantiasis disease.
What Are The Causes Of Elephantiasis?
India bears a significant burden of elephantiasis, contributing to a remarkable 40% of all global cases. Elephantiasis is caused by worms. These worms are of different species:
- Wuchereria bancrofti: It is responsible for 90% of the cases. It primarily affects the lymphatic system, leading to the blockage of lymphatic vessels and causing the swelling of body parts, such as the legs, arms, breasts, and genitalia.
- Brugia malayi: Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode that infects the lymphatic system, causing similar symptoms of lymphatic obstruction and swelling as W. bancrofti.
- Brugia timori: The life cycle and transmission are similar to those of Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, involving mosquitoes as intermediate hosts.
Elephantiasis can also occur as a secondary condition when lymphedema, a chronic swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid, is left untreated or becomes chronic due to various factors such as trauma, surgery, or radiation.
Genital elephantiasis: Genital elephantiasis has a different cause. Bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, specifically lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and donovanosis, lead to the development of genital elephantiasis.
Besides these, living in unhygienic conditions and having high exposure to mosquitoes can also be the causes of elephantiasis.
Conclusion
Elephantiasis is a challenging condition to live with. It can impact your overall living. Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of the causes of elephantiasis is essential so that you can take preventive measures. Also, the treatment for elephantiasis is a long process. One should go to a healthcare provider who can guide you with options to deal with this disorder. Health insurance can help cover the cost of long-term treatments and consultations, ensuring better management of the condition.