Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by thread-like worms (filarial nematodes) that infect the lymphatic system. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is one of the leading causes of preventable long-term disability in tropical and subtropical regions.

Causes

The disease is caused by filarial worms, including:

• Wuchereria bancrofti (causes most cases worldwide)

• Brugia malayi

• Brugia timori

These parasites are transmitted by several mosquito genera, including Culex, Anopheles, Aedes, and Mansonia.