Elephantiasis Research Paper
“Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. While the infection is usually acquired in childhood, its visible manifestations occur later in life, causing temporary or permanent disability. In endemic countries, lymphatic filariasis has a major social and economic impact” (Organization).
“The disease is caused by three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Male worms are about 3–4 centimeters in length, and female worms 8–10 centimeters. The male and female worms together form “nests” in the human lymphatic system, the network of nodes and vessels that maintain the delicate fluid balance between blood and …show more content…
It does not kill, but it crushes people 's spirits and often leaves poor farmers unable to work, which can mean starvation. The most pitiable can be spotted on rural roads, shuffling slowly along in oversize pants” (Times, 2006).
“In central Nigeria, Dr. John Umaru, a worm-disease expert for the Carter Center, said he had seen a man "with a hydrocele down beyond his knee who made a pouch and strapped it around his neck so he could carry it." He had heard of another who needed a wheelbarrow. Some guys just go off in the bush and cut it open," he said. "They can 't live with it anymore. But then they often die of bleeding or infection" (Times, 2006).
“As for those with swollen legs, there is little relief. All they can do is to wash their legs and feet daily to forestall infections as the skin breaks and elevate them to relieve the swelling. The limbs cannot be surgically drained because the lymph fluid swells all the tissue instead of filling a pouch. The damage is permanent, because the overstretched lymph nodes do not shrink again; the worms eventually just die inside them. For people with elephantiasis, big pants will not hide their affliction. Funguses that erupt between toes stink and draw flies. Children can be mocking. Lovers can be cruel” (Times,
“The disease is caused by three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Male worms are about 3–4 centimeters in length, and female worms 8–10 centimeters. The male and female worms together form “nests” in the human lymphatic system, the network of nodes and vessels that maintain the delicate fluid balance between blood and …show more content…
It does not kill, but it crushes people 's spirits and often leaves poor farmers unable to work, which can mean starvation. The most pitiable can be spotted on rural roads, shuffling slowly along in oversize pants” (Times, 2006).
“In central Nigeria, Dr. John Umaru, a worm-disease expert for the Carter Center, said he had seen a man "with a hydrocele down beyond his knee who made a pouch and strapped it around his neck so he could carry it." He had heard of another who needed a wheelbarrow. Some guys just go off in the bush and cut it open," he said. "They can 't live with it anymore. But then they often die of bleeding or infection" (Times, 2006).
“As for those with swollen legs, there is little relief. All they can do is to wash their legs and feet daily to forestall infections as the skin breaks and elevate them to relieve the swelling. The limbs cannot be surgically drained because the lymph fluid swells all the tissue instead of filling a pouch. The damage is permanent, because the overstretched lymph nodes do not shrink again; the worms eventually just die inside them. For people with elephantiasis, big pants will not hide their affliction. Funguses that erupt between toes stink and draw flies. Children can be mocking. Lovers can be cruel” (Times,