2. CAUSES
•Parasitic worm, Wucheria bancrofi, burrows into
the body
• Mated pair latch together and produce many
larvae (microfiliariae)
•Larvae spread throughout the blood stream and
lymph systems
•Causes blockage in systems, causing mass
swelling
3. Transmission
•Mosquitoes spread the bugs to individuals
•Mosquitoes suck the blood of the infected
•The larvae mature inside mosquito
•Worm escapes into next victim when a mosquito bites
•Worms, or nematodes, grow for 1-4 inches long
4. WHO GETS IT?
•The homeless, in tropical
climates are most at risk
•Children’s have weaker
immune systems, susceptible
•Can get as child, not display
swelling until adult
•120 million have the infection
•40 million are disfigured
•80 countries, 1 billion people
are at risk of infection
5. Etiology
Victims
Incubation and Symptoms
• Symptoms often appear after
initial infection
• Mated pair will live for 10-18
years in the body
• Initial: high fever, headache;
resembles malaria
• Physicians: swelling in lymph
systems, blood test
6. Pathophysiology
• Affected External Areas:
▫ Limbs (arms and legs)
▫ Lymph Systems
▫ Scrotum
• Always found in internal
organs
• Organs often coagulate
• Immunity unlikely, usually
system will fight off initial
infection
7. Treatment
• No vaccination
Prevention: Mosquito netting
▫ Bug repellent
▫ Staying in reputable areas
• Treated with Ivermectin
• Swelling never goes away
▫ Cosmetic surgery can help
