Question

Elephantiasis is caused by a filarial worm, Wuchereria bancrofti.

- True

- False

Answer 1

Hint: One can say that the Lymphatic filariasis which is also called as Elephantiasis is a type

of a parasitic disease. This disease typically affects the lymph nodes and lymph vessels of the host in

which the parasite lives.

Complete solution:

The disease Elephantiasis is said to be caused by the filarial worm Wuchereria bancrofti. As we already said that lymphatic filariasis is the other name of the disease Elephantiasis. The Lymphatic filariasis is spread by infected mosquitoes. A type of the parasite that travels to the lymph system is deposited by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Thus, we can say that it is transmitted from human to human via the female Culex mosquito.

We can conclude that one of the human parasitic worms (Filariform) which is the major cause of lymphatic filariasis is known to be Wuchereria bancrofti. As we know already, It is one of the three parasitic worms, the other two are Brugia malayi and B. timori. Together, these parasitic worms are capable of infecting the lymphatic system to cause lymphatic filariasis. In addition, these filarial worms are easily spread from person to person by a variety of mosquito vector species.

Thus, we can say that the given statement is true.

Note:

It is said that most cases of this disease are held to be asymptomatic. In some cases, there can be the existence of long-term damage to the lymph system. This can further cause swelling in the legs, arms and genitalia. Lymphatic filariasis impairs the lymphatic system. And symptoms of abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain. It also upsurges the hazard of recurrent bacterial infections that toughen and clot the skin. However, a drug taken annually can kill these parasites.