Wuchereria

Bancrofti Wuchereria bancrofti is a parasitic filarial worm that is spread through mosquitoes and is responsible for causing the neglected tropical disease, lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis can cause a variety of symptoms, including swollen limbs, and can lead to a more severe form of the disease known as elephantiasis. Wuchereria bancrofti is endemic in areas of the world which have a tropical climate, and has been estimated to infect nearly 120 million people globally. Treatment of lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti includes the administration of a combination of two drugs, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole. Prevention of Wuchereria bancrofti is also possible by mass drug administration, and is being implemented in many areas of the world which are most affected by the disease.