Culex mosquito borne disease lymphatic filariasis: vector, mode of transmission, diagnosis and treatment

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), is caused by nematode worm Wuchereria bancrofti, Brigia malayi and Brugia timori. However, 90% cases of LF are only due to the worm Wuchereria bancrofti. LF is transmitted by the infectious biting of Culex mosquito which breeds in association with human habitations, mainly in polluted water. When a Culex mosquito bites an infected person, the worms enter into the mosquito body, changes its stage from L₁ to L₃ stage and again enter into another healthy person's body during mosquito biting. In healthy person's body worms enter into the lymphatic system where they grow, mate and form nests which leads to swelling of lymph vessels. Lymphatic filariasis is characterized by fever, inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis), swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis), significant swelling of the arms, legs and breasts, hydrocele (swollen and painful scrotum) in male in its acute stage; whereas elephantiasis i.e. huge limb (due to accumulation of lymph in tissue), chyluria (lymph excretion in urine) in case of its chronic stages. For its global prevention, recently new diagnosis aspects, treatment methods and control strategies are also adopted.