Wuchereria bancrofti (Lymphatic filariasis)

Wuchereria bancrofti is a human parasitic roundworm that is the primary cause of lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantitis. After transmission, via the bite of the female mosquito, worms invade lymph nodes. This process, which takes nine months to one year to occur, causes inflammation and eventual blockage of lymphatic vessels, leading to characteristic severe lymphatic distention. Treatment is with diethylcarbamazine.