I will be discussing and explaining the
pathophysiology of the disease Elephantiasis. I watched a documentary on
elephantiasis; I was very intrigued and wanted to learn more about the disease.
What I found most intriguing is that limbs or other body parts can swell up to
4 times their size; but will not cause death. I thought this blog would be a
perfect opportunity for me to do so.
Elephantiasis is also known as lymphatic filariasis. “Elephantiasis is a condition characterized by gross enlargement
of an area of the body, especially the limbs.” (Raredieseases.org).
Elephantiasis effects the lymphatic system. A person can get Elephantiasis from
a mosquito infected with microfilariea. I will go more in-depth on the causes and
effects, the symptoms and treatments, and living and dealing with
Elephantisasis in the weeks to come.
http://www.infectionlandscapes.org/2012/05/lymphatic-filariasis.html(Picture)
http://rarediseases.org/rare-disease-informatformation/rare-diseases/byID/veiwAbstract(Text)
It's hard to believe that the bite of a mosquito can cause so much commotion in the body! I can't wait to find out what function in the body the affected mosquito interrupts when it bites a person and if a person's limbs will stay this way throughout their lifetime.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, I am excited that you are interested in my blog!
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ReplyDeleteThis look so cool, Susan! It seems like such a sad but intriguing disease.
ReplyDeleteCourtneyA, I hate mosquitos they are nasty creatures! Susan we did briefly acknowledge this disease in one of my biology classes. I was wondering if it can be caused by a parasitic worm? Is it a common disease? Her upper half looks perfectly normal. It just amazes me!
ReplyDeleteIt is caused by a parasitic nematode worm that is transmitted to humans by an infected mosquito. Over 120 million currently have elephantiasis, its mostly common in India, Africa, and South Asia.
DeleteWow! How interesting! I bet this disease effects people emotionally as well as physically. Is there a cure for elephantiasis?
ReplyDeleteYes, there is a cure for elephantiasis. The medicine that is administered can only kill the parasitic worm and does not bring the infected areas back to normal size; if it's possible, the enlarged body masses are surgically removed.
DeleteI am so glad that there is a cure for this weird, crazy disease. I could not imagine having to keep those masses on for the rest of my life!
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