Elephantiasis is a disease spread by mosquitoes.

Which type of mosquito spreads elephantiasis?

A wide range of mosquitoes can transmit the parasite, depending on the geographic area. In Africa, the most common vector is Anopheles and in the Americas, it is Culex quinquefasciatus. Aedes and Mansonia can transmit the infection in the Pacific and in Asia.

Who spread filariasis?

The disease spreads from person to person by mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites a person who has lymphatic filariasis, microscopic worms circulating in the person's blood enter and infect the mosquito.

What is the main cause of elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas. Functioning as part of the immune system, the lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease.

How the elephantiasis parasite is transmitted?

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease. Infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system.

Elephantiasis Afflicts 120 Million in Africa, Asia

Is elephantiasis common in India?

The clinical manifestations of LF may vary from one endemic area to another. Generally, the most common clinical form of the disease is hydrocele, with lymphoedema and elephantiasis occurs less commonly. In India and neighbouring countries, both hydrocele and lymphoedema are common.

Where can you get elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD). It's more common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia. It's estimated that 120 million people have elephantiasis.

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 elephantiasis diagnosed?

Your doctor can find out if you have elephantiasis by giving you a physical exam. They will ask about your medical history, and whether you've traveled to a place where you were more likely to have gotten elephantiasis. They also will have blood tests done to see if roundworms are in your bloodstream.

What is the vector of elephantiasis?

The major vector of elephantiasis is Culex mosquito but Anopheles and Aedes mosquitos are also known to transmit elephantiasis. The causative agent of Elephantiasis is digenetic nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea. About 90% of Filariasis is caused by thread-like filarial worm Wuchereria bancrofti.

Which countries have elephantiasis?

• American Samoa (USA)
• Australia.
• Brunei Darussalam.
• Cambodia.
• China.
• Cook Islands.
• Fiji.
• French Polynesia (France)

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.

Who discovered lymphatic filariasis?

In 1863, French surgeon Jean-Nicolas Demarquay became the first to record the observation of microfilariae in fluid extracted from a hydrocoele (another common symptom of lymphatic filariasis). Three years later, Otto Henry Wucherer discovered microfilariae in urine in Brazil.

Is malaria transmitted by mosquitoes?

How is malaria transmitted? Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have been infected through a previous blood meal taken from an infected person.

Is elephantiasis a virus or bacteria?

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.

How is filariasis diagnosed?

The standard method for diagnosing active infection is the identification of microfilariae in a blood smear by microscopic examination. The microfilariae that cause lymphatic filariasis circulate in the blood at night (called nocturnal periodicity).

Is elephantiasis genetic?

Genital elephantiasis, end result of lymphogranuloma venereum. Proteus syndrome, a genetic disorder best known as the condition possibly suffered by Joseph Merrick, the so-called "Elephant Man."

Can filaria 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.

Is amebiasis a bacteria?

Amebiasis is a disease caused by infection with a parasitic amoeba that, when symptomatic, can cause dysentery and invasive extraintestinal problems. The cause of amebiasis is mainly the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica.

Do people in India have worms?

In India, 225 million preschool and school-age children are estimated to be at risk of infection from worms. India accounts for 65% of soil-transmitted helminth (parasitic worms) cases in South East Asia, and 27% of cases globally.

What is the prevention of elephantiasis?

Prevention. The best way to prevent elephantiasis is to avoid mosquito bites. People who visit or live in countries at risk should: sleep under a mosquito net.

Which mosquito causes filariasis in India?

99% of infections in India happen when the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus spreads the worm Wuchereria bancrofti through a mosquito bite. Because the cause of this disease can be a different worm and parasite in different countries, each country has its own plan for control and treatment.

What is the best treatment for filariasis?

Diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC), which is both microfilaricidal and active against the adult worm, is the drug of choice for lymphatic filariasis.

Is filariasis eliminated in India?

In 1997, WHO and its Member States made a commitment to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) as public health problem by 2020 through World Health Assembly Resolution WHA 50.29. The National Health Policy (2002) has set the goal of Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in India by 2015. Later extended to 2021.