Summary
Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and filarioidea of the Brugia genus. The disease occurs in every tropical zone and is spread by mosquitoes. Early clinical signs revolve mainly around lymphangitis, which when it begins in limbs and progresses in a centrifugal manner. Later symptoms are caused by obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. Elephantiasis only appears after years of high-level infection. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice. *Author: Dr L. Paris (February 2005)*.
