Worms and Microorganisms Can Cause Lymphatic Disease in Residents of Filariasis-endemic Areas

The following sections are included:

• Introduction

• Worms and Microorganisms Can Each Independently Cause Episodic Adenolymphangitis

  • AFL is Triggered by the Death of Adult Filarial Worms

  • Pyogenic Organisms Cause Episodic ADLA

  • Episodes of ADLA and AFL Can Occur and Recur in the Same Individual

  • Lymphatic Dysfunction Predisposes to Episodic Attacks of Bacterial Adenolymphangitis

• The Pathogenesis of “Chronic Filariasis” is Multifactorial

  • Bacterial Infections are the Most Common Cause of Elephantiasis in Native Residents of Filariasis-Endemic Areas

  • Filarial Worms per se are the Most Common Cause of Hydrocoeles in Residents of Filariasis-Endemic Areas

• Prevention and Treatment

• Conclusions

• References