Addressing the ‘Parasite’ in the Room: A Guide to Elephantiasis

• Written by Jyotsana Shekhawat

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

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It’s morning; You wake up to a new day, with your eyes seeing everything blurry. You gently rub them, only to find your leg has swollen to twice its size overnight. Sounds awkward?

That’s Elephantiasis for you.

An ailment that can come off as horrible, elephantiasis is more than just swelling; it is painful and heavy and can make your skin feel rough and thick. This condition poses a harsh reality for many people, especially those living in tropical and subtropical regions. But what is elephantiasis caused by? What exactly are elephantiasis symptoms? Keep reading to understand all of this.

What is Elephantiasis?

Elephantiasis, scientifically called Lymphatic Filariasis, is a parasitic infection of the lymphatic system. Parasitic worms infect the system, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body, resulting in swelling—often severe—in arms, legs, and genital areas. The name of this infection, “elephantiasis,” comes from the thickness and roughness—of the elephant, which the condition causes in the skin.

Side note: The seriousness of elephantiasis goes beyond just a physical ailment. The condition has a stigma attached to it, and it often poses psychological challenges for the patients, too.

What Causes Elephantiasis?

It is crucial to understand what causes elephantiasis to determine and manage the severity of this disease. Elephantiasis is caused by parasitic worms, namely:

• Wuchereria bancrofti (the most common of the parasites responsible for this ailment)
• Brugia malayi
• Brugia timori

These parasites are transmitted to humans, marking the way through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are typically Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles species. The mosquito bite results in the deposit of microscopic larvae into the bloodstream that ultimately mature and migrate to the lymphatic system. 

Outcome? Blockages in the system, and hence, fluid buildup and swelling. Now that you know what causes elephantiasis, let’s read about its lifecycle.

The ‘Many’ Stages of Elephantiasis

While parasites essentially cause elephantiasis, there’s more to how the parasitic bite results in a ghastly infection. Let’s take a look at the four crucial phases in which it takes over the lymphatic system:

Transmission

Elephantiasis is caused by the transmission of larvae through a mosquito bite. After an infected mosquito bites a human, it transfers the larvae to the bloodstream. At this initial stage, the larvae start with the transmission through the lymphatic system, eventually paving the way for the debilitating effects of elephantiasis.

Maturation

Once the larvae are inside the human body, they migrate to the lymphatic vessels. They mature into adult worms within 12 months. The lymphatic system—responsible for maintaining fluid balance and building immune defence—is their primary habitat. The immediate elephantiasis symptoms may not occur during maturation, but the worms still silently cause progressive damage. This stage typically causes elephantiasis to emerge as a chronic, long-term health issue.

Blockage

With the adult worms settling in the lymphatic vessels, the normal flow of lymph fluid gets obstructed. The blockage leads to fluid accumulation, which converts into swelling—one of the top elephantiasis symptoms. This disruption in the symptoms leads to lymphedema, which may develop into severe, irreversible swelling of limbs or genitalia if left untreated. At this stage, the severity rises, underscoring why early detection of elephantiasis symptoms is non-negotiable.

Reproduction

Adult worms reproduce within the lymphatic system and produce millions of microfilariae. These microfilariae enter the bloodstream when mosquitoes are more active. So, when another mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests these microfilariae. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae, ready to be transmitted to a new host. This cycle highlights how elephantiasis is caused by a relentless loop of infection and transmission, perpetuating the disease in endemic areas.

How to Spot the ‘Parasitic’ Pain: Elephantiasis Symptoms

Recognising elephantiasis symptoms promptly is an excellent start to preventing long-term risks. For starters, elephantiasis symptoms typically vary depending on the stage.

Let’s read more about it.

Asymptomatic Stage

Most infected people don’t initially feel or see any elephantiasis symptoms for a long time. However, they may already have lymphatic damage and even microfilariae in their blood.

Acute Stage

At this stage, infected individuals may begin to feel elephantiasis symptoms, such as:

• Sudden inflammation of the lymphatic vessels
• Fever and chills
• Painful swelling in areas like the arms, legs, or scrotum

Chronic Stage

This is the stage where elephantiasis symptoms turn most visible and painful:

• Progressive swelling, often resulting in immobility
• Thickness and roughness in the skin
• Swelling in the scrotum in men
• Bacterial infection

How to Detect the Infection: Elephantiasis Diagnosis

Early elephantiasis diagnosis can alter the course of the infection. Here is what can be done to diagnose Encephalitis:

• Blood tests to check for microfilariae.
• Ultrasound to detect adult worms in the lymphatic system.
• Physical examination to identify lymphedema and skin changes.

Fighting Back: Elephantiasis Treatment Options

There isn’t a vaccine or cure made specifically for elephantiasis treatment. However, medication and other methods can help infected individuals manage their symptoms. Let’s take a look at the various treatment options available:

Medication

For elephantiasis treatment, typically, two medicines are broadly used:

• Diethylcarbamazine (DEC): It’s used to kill microfilariae and adult worms.
• Ivermectin: It’s used in combination with DEC in mass drug administration programs.

Surgery

In case of severe conditions, surgery may be required to remove excess tissue and/or address hydrocele in men.

Lymphedema Management

This type of elephantiasis treatment includes:

• Compression therapy: Eases swelling and improves lymphatic flow.
• Hygiene practices: Prevents secondary infections by keeping infected areas clean.

Conclusion

While the infection sounds scary based on its symptoms, understanding what causes elephantiasis and how to treat it correctly can make a big difference. While the disease comes with “noticeable” challenges, the range of treatment and prevention methods offers help. On that note, investing in the right health insurance plan is also one of the most critical aspects of addressing the medical issues elephantiasis poses.

Health Insurance offers coverage options, ensuring you opt for timely treatment without worrying about finances. At the end of the day, keeping yourself guarded against medical and financial hiccups is the way to go.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Verifying the policy details and coverage with official documents is essential when purchasing health insurance. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to confirm the details of your health concerns.