What are the elephantiasis effects?

The main symptom of elephantiasis is gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body because of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant's leg.

1. Does elephantiasis have long term effects?
2. What is the cause of elephantiasis?
3. What is the effect of filariasis?
4. Can elephantiasis cause death?
5. What is the difference between elephantiasis and lymphedema?
6. Can lymphatic filariasis be cured?
7. What countries have elephantiasis?
8. Is there a vaccine for elephantiasis?
9. How is filariasis caused what are its symptoms?
10. Is there any cure for elephantiasis?
11. Can filaria cause infertility?
12. Who is most affected by elephantiasis?
13. Can elephantiasis be amputated?

Does elephantiasis have long term effects?

Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system. The painful and profoundly disfiguring visible manifestations of the disease, lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.

What is the cause of elephantiasis?

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.

What is the effect of filariasis?

The swelling and the decreased function of the lymph system make it difficult for the body to fight germs and infections. Affected persons will have more bacterial infections in the skin and lymph system. This causes hardening and thickening of the skin, which is called elephantiasis.

Can elephantiasis cause death?

Elephantiasis is most often caused by filariasis, a tropical disease. Non-filarial elephantiasis can be the result of a chronic erysipelas infection which can lead to sepsis, multiple organ failure and death if not treated in time.

What is the difference between elephantiasis and lymphedema?

Elephantiasis is caused by under-treatment of lymphedema, and due to the obstruction of the lymph vessels of the lymphatic system. As lymph moves through the lymphatic system, it is filtered by a network of small structures known as lymph nodes that help to remove microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, etc.)

Can lymphatic filariasis be cured?

Since there is no known vaccine or cure for lymphatic filariasis, the most effective method that exists to control the disease is prevention.

What countries have elephantiasis?

Lymphatic filariasis remains endemic in 13 countries and areas in the Region: American Samoa, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa and Tuvalu.

Is there a vaccine for elephantiasis?

There is no vaccine and no treatment, only these drugs to prevent further transmission of the disease. Of all the people in the world in need of this preventative treatment, over 40% of them live in India.

How is filariasis caused what are its symptoms?

Filariasis is a rare infectious tropical disorder caused by the round worm parasites (nematode) Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi. Symptoms result primarily from inflammatory reactions to the adult worms. Some people may also develop hypersensitivity reactions to the small larval parasites (microfilariae).

Is there any cure for elephantiasis?

There are medicines to treat elephantiasis. Your doctor may give you one called diethylcarbamazine (DEC). You'll take it once a year. It will kill the microscopic worms in your bloodstream.

Can filaria cause infertility?

Filariasis is accepted as the most common infectious cause of disability. Of several problems, reproductive disturbance and induction of infertility can be seen. Generally, the well-known situation is the filarial orchitis.

Who is most affected by elephantiasis?

People living for a long time in tropical or sub-tropical areas where the disease is common are at the greatest risk for infection. Short-term tourists have a very low risk. Programs to eliminate lymphatic filariasis are under way in more than 66 countries.

Can elephantiasis be amputated?

Figure 3: A severe case of Elephantiasis in the left leg. Note the extreme swelling and the warty, hard skin. This condition is extremely painful and may eventually have to be amputated.