Monsters Inside Me
Lymphatic Filariasis
Caused by the Wuchereria bancrofti roundworm.
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The Parasite: Wuchereria bancrofti is a thread-like parasitic roundworm. It's uncommon in North America but widespread in Southeast Asia. Its life cycle begins in the mosquito. When an infected mosquito drinks blood from a host, hundreds of tiny larvae swarm into the host's bloodstream. They then travel to the lymphatic system — a series of tubes in the body responsible for draining fluid from swollen tissue. There, the worms grow to adulthood, reaching 3 or 4 inches in length.
The adult roundworms produce more larvae, which leave the safety of the lymph vessels and nodes to invade other parts of the body. During the day, the larvae lie low in the lungs. At night, when the host's body temperature drops, they migrate to the skin where they can get picked up by a mosquito, thus completing the parasite's life cycle. This daily migration is timed by the natural sleep rhythms of the host.
The Infection: Lymphatic filariasis, in severe cases, can lead to elephantiasis — an extreme thickening of the skin and underlying tissue where afflicted body parts can swell to the size of a basketball. The parasite can exist in the body for decades before the infection becomes symptomatic. Initial symptoms include chronic breathing problems — similar to asthma — caused by worm larvae congregating in the lungs. Over the years, tangled bits of dead worms plug up the lymphatic system, causing a buildup of lymph fluid in the legs, male scrotum and female breasts. Symptoms of late-stage lymphatic filariasis include swollen legs, severe and chronic leg pain and thick, goldish liquid oozing from the pores. The pain and swelling can become so bad that walking becomes shear agony.
Treatment: Anti-parasitic medication (to kill the worms) followed by rigorous washing and skin care. Elevation, exercise and massage can alleviate some symptoms.
Prevention: Insect repellant and mosquito netting at night.
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Featured in Sleeper Cells, Episode 1 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Wednesday, July 1, 9 PM e/p
Nearly impossible to detect, these killers lie dormant, waiting for the right time to strike. Highlighting Baylisascaris infection, aka raccoon roundworm infection; lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis, aka snail fever.
 Check out the filariasis parasite in action.
See how lymphatic filariasis affects the body.
 Download a wallpaper-sized roundworm larvae picture.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
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  Rate Disgusting Parasite Habits: From blood-sucking to brain-eating, rate revolting parasite habits on a scale from "gross" (0) to "I think I'm going to vomit" (10).
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 Parasite Pictures and Wallpaper: See detailed, computer-generated images of parasites in our bodies, and download your favorites to your desktop!
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