Elephantiasis, also known as filariasis, is a parasitic disease, caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, which affects the lymph vessels and promotes an inflammatory reaction, causing a blockage of lymphatic flow and causing fluid buildup and swelling in certain organs, such as the arm. , testicle, in the case of men, and legs, mainly.
The transmission of the parasite to humans is caused by the bite of the mosquito genus Culex sp., known as mosquito or mosquito straw, which is able to transport larvae of worms and transmit them by bite. Treatment should be indicated by an infectious disease or a GP, and the use of pest control agents, such as diethylcarbamazine and ivermectin, is generally recommended to remove the parasite.
- Symptoms of elephantiasis may appear after several months of infection with the parasite and are due to the development and spread of parasite larvae throughout the body.
- The main symptoms of elephantiasis are:.
After months or even years, if filariasis is not treated properly, the presence of adult branches in the circulation causes scarring and obstruction of the lymph vessels, which prevents the flow of lymph and causes accumulations of this fluid in the affected limbs, causing chronic swelling. thickening of the skin, giving an elephant-like appearance. , which gives rise to the name of the disease.
Diagnosis of elephantiasis is made by the infectious disease specialist or the family doctor by observing the signs and symptoms presented, as well as the need to confirm the diagnosis by performing blood tests that identify the parasite or the body’s immune response.
Diagnosis is not always made in the early stages of the disease, as the disease progresses very slowly over the years, with a constant multiplication and spread of the parasite in the body, which can lead to signs and symptoms of other diseases.
Transmission of elephantiasis occurs when the mosquito bites the person, passing the L3 larvae, which migrate to the lymph vessels and develop into adulthood, with the release of new larvae to the blood and lymphatic circulation.
The person infected with Wuchereria bancrofti does not transmit the parasite to other people, but if a mosquito bites it, it can become infected and thus transmit the parasite to others.
The treatment of elephantiasis is done with the use of antiparasitic drugs indicated by the doctor, and the use of diethylcarbamazine or ivermectin with albendazole may be recommended, for example, which are able to kill the wire larvae and prevent their complications.
However, in some cases, surgery may be needed to correct the lymphatic system and reduce symptoms or complications, where inflammation has already caused scarring and blockage of lymphatic flow.
The prevention of elephantiasis is carried out by avoiding contact with transmitting mosquitoes, through measures such as:
In addition, it is up to the government to use means to control flies and mosquitoes, such as spraying poisons in the air, such as smoke and basic sanitary measures.