Swollen leg in filariasis

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Not for use in Television Swollen leg in filariasis. Swollen leg (elephantiasis) of a woman with filariasis caused by the parasitic roundworm Wuchereria bancrofti. Elephantiasis is a condition where the lymph vessels become blocked. Fluid consequently accumulates in the tissue (oedema), leading to swelling. The cause here is infection with parasitic worms (filariasis) that block the lymph vessels. Lymph vessels carry fluid to allow the exchange of water, salts, proteins and other substances between the blood and tissues. Photographed in India.

SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Science Source