There are two forms of elephantitis: parasitic and non-parasitic. While medication is effective in treating both forms of elephantitis, catching the condition early on is the best remedy. Recently, scientists have isolated the genome of parasitic elephantitis and will hopefully make continued advancements in research.
Elephantitis is a disease caused by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti. This parasite is first introduced into the body by the bite of a mosquito. The parasite will then migrate to the lymphatic system, where they will live. The parasite does not cause any direct harm to the host; it is the side effects of the infestation that cause the damage.
Elephantiasis is the result of the parasites blocking the lymphatic ducts. With the lymphatic ducts being blocked, the lymph fluid does not circulate well and will accumulate, causing swelling. The swelling that is induced by the parasite is most commonly seen in the lower leg and the genitalia.
There is also another form of elephantitis that is not caused by a parasite. This type of non-parasitic elephantitis is usually only found in the mountain regions of central Africa. The cause of non-parasite elephantitis is thought to be prolonged contact with volcanic ash.
The mediations that are used to treat elephantitis are the most effective when the disease is detected in the early stages. This is because the longer the parasite is in the body, the longer it will have to reproduce. The only problem is that it is difficult to detect the disease in the early stages because it usually takes many years before the patient will begin to suffer from swelling.
Currently, the first treatment that is tried when a patient is diagnosed with elephantitis is diethylcarbamazine. Another treatment that has been shown to be effective is to rigorously clean the skin on a daily basis. This will limit some of the symptoms of elephantitis by decreasing the secondary skin infections that are commonly seen with this disease.
Scientists have just recently been able to map the entire genome of the parasite that is most often responsible for elephantitis. Hopefully, scientists will be able to study the genome and create much more effective treatments and possibly a vaccine for the disease.
