Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a debilitating disease caused by parasitic roundworms of the Filarioidea family, primarily transmitted by mosquito bites. The infection leads to the blockage of lymphatic vessels, causing fluid accumulation and swelling, often in the legs, genitalia, or breasts, resulting in conditions like lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis. The infection is mostly asymptomatic but can cause severe symptoms after years of exposure.

Lymphatic filariasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions across 72 countries, affecting over 120 million people. It is transmitted when infected mosquitoes bite a person, taking in microfilariae (larvae), which mature and reproduce in the human body, spreading the disease further.

Symptoms include swelling, thickened skin, and infections due to a weakened immune system. Hydrocele and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia Syndrome, causing respiratory issues, are also common complications. Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect the worms, often requiring nighttime samples.

Treatment includes medications like ivermectin, albendazole, and diethylcarbamazine (DEC) to kill microfilariae and reduce symptoms, but they don’t cure the disease. Preventive measures include mosquito control, using insecticide-treated nets, wearing protective clothing, and taking medications to prevent infection.

Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites, especially in endemic areas, and WHO recommends annual preventive chemotherapy to curb the spread of the disease. However, no cure or vaccine currently exists for lymphatic filariasis.

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