Which disease is characterised by chronic inflammation of the lymphatic vessels caused by a pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis, also called filariasis, is caused by the filarial worms Wuchereria (W. bancrofti and W. malayi). The worms live for many years in the lymphatic vessels, usually of the lower limbs, and cause a slowly developing chronic inflammation there. The genital organs are often affected too. The worms pass to a healthy person through the bite of the female mosquito vector.
NCERT Extract:
Common Diseases in Humans – “Wuchereria (W. bancrofti and W. malayi), the filarial worms cause a slowly developing chronic inflammation of the organs in which they live for many years, usually the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs and the disease is called elephantiasis or filariasis (Figure 7.2). The genital organs are also often affected, resulting in gross deformities. The pathogens are transmitted to a healthy person through the bite by the female mosquito vectors.”