Brugia

Malayi Brugia malayi is a blood-borne parasitic nematode that is responsible for lymphatic filariasis, a major tropical and subtropical neglected disease. This helminth is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes and can cause massive swelling of the limbs and genitalia, leading to disability and decreased quality of life for those affected. Brugia malayi is also an increasingly important laboratory model for understanding human filariasis. Research on this organism has helped to elucidate the pathogenic processes, immunological responses, and genetic and epigenetic causes of filariasis. This knowledge has greatly improved our understanding of how to identify and treat this debilitating disease.