Where did elephantiasis originate?

Where did elephantiasis originate?

Artifacts from the Nok civilization in West Africa may show scrotal swelling, another characteristic of elephantiasis. The Nok artifacts date much later than the Egyptian artifacts, from about 500AD. The first written account of lymphatic filariasis comes from the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

Who found elephantiasis?

1.1 Scientific discovery 1866: Wucherer found microfilariae in chyluria. 1872: Lewis found microfilariae in blood. 1877: Bancroft found a female adult filarial worm in the ulcer of lymph node of the arm.

Is there elephantiasis in India?

The clinical manifestations of LF may vary from one endemic area to another. Generally, the most common clinical form of the disease is hydrocele, with lymphoedema and elephantiasis occurs less commonly. In India and neighbouring countries, both hydrocele and lymphoedema are common.

Is elephantiasis in the USA?

Lymphatic filariasis affects over 120 million people in 72 countries throughout the tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America. You cannot get infected with the worms in the United States.

Is there a vaccine for elephantiasis?

There is no vaccine and no treatment, only these drugs to prevent further transmission of the disease. Of all the people in the world in need of this preventative treatment, over 40% of them live in India.

Who is at risk of elephantiasis?

Common risk factors for elephantiasis include: living for a long time in tropical and subtropical areas. having a high exposure to mosquitoes. living in unsanitary conditions.

Is elephantiasis permanent?

Infection is usually acquired in childhood causing hidden damage to the lymphatic system. The painful and profoundly disfiguring visible manifestations of the disease, lymphoedema, elephantiasis and scrotal swelling occur later in life and can lead to permanent disability.

How is the diagnosis and treatment of elephantiasis made?

A diagnosis of elephantiasis is made based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, a detailed patient history and identification of characteristic symptoms. A variety of tests may be used to determine the underlying cause of lymphatic damage and subsequent elephantiasis. Treatment of elephantiasis always involves treating the underlying condition.

Why does my body swell when I have elephantiasis?

Living With Elephantiasis Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a very rare condition that’s spread by mosquitoes. The common name is often used because if you have it, your arms and legs can swell and become much bigger than they should be. Your sex organs and breasts may also swell up.

Are there any other disorders similar to elephantiasis?

Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of elephantiasis. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis. Hereditary lymphedema is an inherited disorder of the lymphatic system that is characterized by abnormal swelling of certain parts of the body.

Which is more common elephantiasis or lymphatic filariasis?

In areas where filariasis is endemic, the most common cause of elephantiasis is a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis and, in the medical literature, the terms lymphatic filariasis and elephantiasis should not be used interchangeably.