Lymphatic Filariasis

LF (which is commonly known as elephantiasis) is caused by thread-like worms known as filariae, which are spread from human to human by mosquito bites. Once inside the skin, they migrate to the lymphatic system where they cause significant damage and produce millions of offspring. LF is most well known for causing a disfiguring swelling of the limbs or genitals that often leads to disability and social isolation.