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elephantiasis[el´ufantI´usis] Pronunciation Key, abnormal enlargement of any part of the body due to obstruction of the lymphatic channels in the area (see lymphatic system), usually affecting the legs or external genitals. In tropical countries the most common cause is filariasis, infestation with certain filaria, small parasitic roundworms (see worm) of the genera Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi that are introduced into the body by many species of mosquitoes. The adult worms live in the lymphatic system, causing local inflammation, fibrosis, and obstruction, and resulting in the characteristic enlargement and thickening of the skin.
Recovery from filariasis is possible and surgery sometimes helps, but any elephantiasis that develops during the disease cannot be cured. Control of mosquitoes is instrumental in holding down its incidence. Ivermectin, an antifilarial drug, has been effective with a single dose. Diethylcarbamazine often kills the adult worms or impairs their reproductive capabilities. Blocking of the lymph channels and elephantiasis can also result from lymphogranuloma venereum, a sexually transmitted disease.
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