Question

Statement (SI): In Elephantiasis, genital organs are also affected, resulting in gross deformation.
Statement (SII): Filarial worms live for many years in the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs

Answer 1

Hint: It is a tropical disease that causes physical deformities. Mosquitoes are vectors of this disease.

Complete answer:To solve this question, first we need to know about filariasis or elephantiasis. It is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filarioidea.All ages are affected in those populations where filariasis is transmitted. Although the infection may develop during infancy, its visible symptoms such as limb oedema can occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability.

Additional information:Now, let us find the answer from the given options-
Wuchereria (W. bancrofti and W. malayi), the filarial worms cause a chronic infection slowly developing in the organs they reside in for several years, usually in the lymph vessels of the lower limbs, and the disease is known as elephantiasis or filariasis. Adult worms live in the lymph vessels and interfere with normal functions of the lymph system. The worms can live for approximately 6-8 years and produce millions of microfilariae or immature larvae that circulate in the blood during their lifetime.

When lymphatic filariasis develops into chronic conditions it leads to lymphoedema (tissue swelling) or elephantiasis characterised by skin/tissue thickening of limbs. The genital organs are also often affected, resulting in gross deformities.

Thus, the correct answer is option A i.e., Statements SI and SII are correct.

Note:Mosquito-transmitted larvae are deposited on the skin from where they can enter the body. The larvae then travel to the lymphatic vessels, where they mature into adult worms and thus begin a transmission cycle.