Bancroftian Filariasis

Bancroftian filariasis, accounting for 90% of the lymphatic filariasis cases, is one of the most common etiology of acquired lymphedema. It is the second leading infectious cause of disability worldwide after leprosy.[1][2] The disease primarily involves lymphatic system with clinical manifestations ranging from acute, such as acute adenolymphangitis, filarial fever, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia to chronic, such as hydrocele, lymphedema, and elephantiasis in the most severe of cases.[3] In filariasis, there is chronic inflammation of the lymphatics, leading to fibrosis, which eventually leads to lymphedema. While the legs are involved in most cases, the lymphedema can also involve the genitals, arms, and breasts.