Definition of Disease

The massive growth of the limbs, genitals, and other parts of the body is the result of the lymph flow being blocked from exiting the lymph nodes as well as the possible obstruction of blood circulation. When the lymphatic system doesn’t dispose of the excess fluid from the tissues, the lymph builds up the body tissues near the lymphatic vessel exit and entrance areas, most of which are located in the legs. As a result, the tissue swells. The lymphatic blockage is caused by recurrent bacterial infections that cause the lymphatic vessels to inflame. If the obstruction is large enough, there is a back flow of lymph through the vessels that causes them to dilate. All of this obstruction, dilation, and infection are caused by three worms, all of which are transferred via mosquitoes: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. These worms only infect the lymphatic system because the lymphatic system is the only organ system they can live in. But elephantiasis also comes in the non-filarial variety, called podoconiosis. Podoconiosis, prevalent on the eastern parts of Africa such as Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, and Uganda is suggested to be caused by the constant contact with the red soils composed of alkali metals from volcanic activity. Since the populations of the stated countries are predominantly barefooted on a daily basis, the small chemical particles in the soil along with the raw sodium and potassium enter the skin through the feet, thus lodging themselves in the lymphatic tissues and causing the irritating effects that lead to the filarial lymphatic disease.