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Difficulty: MediumHuman Physiology, Health, and Diseases

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, leads to chronic inflammation and severe swelling of the lower limbs and lymphatic tissue. Which type of biological pathogen is the direct causative agent of this infectious disease in humans?

  1. Filarial nematode (helminth)Answer
  2. B
    Protozoan parasite
  3. C
    Arbovirus
  4. D
    Spirochete bacterium

Answer

Filarial nematode (helminth)
Lymphatic filariasis is an infection caused by parasitic roundworms of the family Filarioidea. The adult worms lodge in the lymphatic system, obstructing lymph flow and causing lymphedema and elephantiasis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the biological nature of the causative organism for lymphatic filariasis.
Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with microscopic, thread-like parasitic roundworms (filarial nematodes).
Wuchereria bancrofti accounts for roughly 90% of all cases worldwide, alongside Brugia malayi and Brugia timori.
2
Distinguish between the vector and the causative agent.
Mosquitoes (such as Culex, Anopheles, and Aedes) serve as vector hosts that transfer infective larvae, but the worm itself is the pathogen.
Understanding the pathogen category is essential for target-specific anti-helminthic treatments like diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole.

Key Concept

Pathogen Etiology of Lymphatic Filariasis
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Human Physiology, Health, and Diseases

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