Lymphatic Sestem
Eliphantitis
Definition- A condition in which a limb or other part of the body becomes grossly enlarged due to obstruction of the lymphatic vessels, typically by the nematode parasites.Rarely, long-term damage to the lymph system causes swelling in the legs, arms, and genitalia. It also increases the risk of frequent bacterial infections that harden and thicken the skin Functioning as part of the immune system, the lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease. It consists of a network of tubular channels (lymph vessels) that drain a thin watery fluid known as lymph from different areas of the body into the bloodstream. Obstruction of these vessels results in the massive swelling and gross enlargement characteristic of elephantiasis.
History-the first reliable documentation of elephantiasis did not occur until an exploration of the Portuguese colony of Goa between 1588 and 1592. However, to the best of our knowledge, early records of this disease date back to much before the biblical time.
Signs & Symptoms-The main symptom of elephantiasis is gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body because of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant’s leg. The skin of the affected areas usually develops a dry, thickened, pebbly appearance and may become ulcerated, pitted and darkened. Fever, chills, and a general feeling of ill health may also be present.
Elephantiasis may also affect the male and female external genital organs. may experience pain and a burning sensation.
Causes- Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymph vessels of the lymphatic system. As lymph moves through the lymphatic system, it is filtered by a network of small structures known as lymph nodes that help to remove microorganisms and other foreign bodies.
In underdeveloped regions of South America, Central Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean, obstruction can be caused by a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is caused by three different species of worms known as Brugia malayi, Brugia timori and Wuchereria bancrofti. These worms cause damage and inflammation to the lymphatic system. The larval form of the worms is introduced into the human body through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Genital elephantiasis can also be caused by bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, specifically lymphogranuloma venereum
Affected Populations- Elephantiasis occurs with the greatest frequency in tropical regions including Southeast Asia, India, Africa and South America as a manifestation of lymphatic filariasis.
Elephantiasis due to other causes is rare. Elephantiasis can affect men or women of any age.
Diagnosis-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- taking medication during the early stages of eliphantitis such as Ivermectin which can treat infections caused by roundworms, thread-worms, and other parasites. During the later stages of Eliphantitis surgery may be the last resort.
History-the first reliable documentation of elephantiasis did not occur until an exploration of the Portuguese colony of Goa between 1588 and 1592. However, to the best of our knowledge, early records of this disease date back to much before the biblical time.
Signs & Symptoms-The main symptom of elephantiasis is gross enlargement and swelling of an area of the body because of the accumulation of fluid. The arms and legs are the areas most often affected. An entire arm or leg may swell to several times its normal size resembling the thick, round appearance of an elephant’s leg. The skin of the affected areas usually develops a dry, thickened, pebbly appearance and may become ulcerated, pitted and darkened. Fever, chills, and a general feeling of ill health may also be present.
Elephantiasis may also affect the male and female external genital organs. may experience pain and a burning sensation.
Causes- Elephantiasis is caused by obstruction of the lymph vessels of the lymphatic system. As lymph moves through the lymphatic system, it is filtered by a network of small structures known as lymph nodes that help to remove microorganisms and other foreign bodies.
In underdeveloped regions of South America, Central Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean, obstruction can be caused by a parasitic disease known as lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is caused by three different species of worms known as Brugia malayi, Brugia timori and Wuchereria bancrofti. These worms cause damage and inflammation to the lymphatic system. The larval form of the worms is introduced into the human body through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Genital elephantiasis can also be caused by bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, specifically lymphogranuloma venereum
Affected Populations- Elephantiasis occurs with the greatest frequency in tropical regions including Southeast Asia, India, Africa and South America as a manifestation of lymphatic filariasis.
Elephantiasis due to other causes is rare. Elephantiasis can affect men or women of any age.
Diagnosis-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- taking medication during the early stages of eliphantitis such as Ivermectin which can treat infections caused by roundworms, thread-worms, and other parasites. During the later stages of Eliphantitis surgery may be the last resort.