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About Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is caused by thread-like worms that live in the human lymphatic system. It is transmitted to new areas by mosquitoes, which carry infective larvae of the filarial parasites Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi from one person to the next. Children become infected when very young but may appear healthy for many years.

Symptoms
Approximately half of those affected appear to be symptom-free, though they may have active infection in their bodies. While not life threatening, LF can permanently damage the lymphatic and renal systems, and thus create a lifetime of disability.

With a compromised lymphatic system, the body is less able to resist common skin infections and becomes prey to a vicious cycle of acute attacks of painful inflammation and high fever. Repeated attacks give rise to the development of chronic swelling (lymphoedema) of the legs, genitals and breasts.

The LF parasites have a particular tendency to attack the male urogenital system. Up to 50 per cent of infected males may ultimately develop serious symptoms, such as swelling of the scrotum which, in time, may develop into massive elephantiasis of the scrotum. The urogenital damage can lead to lifelong social and sexual disabilities and, although skin hygiene of the genital area can be helpful, the main treatment for hydrocoele is surgical repair.

Economic Impact
Poor sanitation and overcrowding in tropical and subtropical areas of the world greatly increases mosquito transmission of the disease. LF further exacerbates poverty by physically incapacitating people during what should be the most productive years of their lives. Lost productivity caused by the disease costs billions of dollars across the world each year. LF also puts a tremendous strain on healthcare systems and the healthcare costs faced by patients can be prohibitive. In addition to its economic impact, LF inflicts heavy psycho-social consequences on affected individuals.

Countries with Lymphatic Filariasis