Brugia malayi is a helminth/nematode.
Disease / Pathology
Brugia malayi causes elephantiasis in infected persons by the adult parasites causing blockage of the lymphatics.
Location in the Host
Brugia malayi adults are located in the lymphatics while the microfilariae are found in the blood.
Geographic Distribution
Brugia malayi is found Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and India.
Life Cycle
Brugia malayi is transmitted by the mosquito. The Anopheles, Mansonia and Coquilletidia mosquitos are the specific mosquito vectors. Periodicity can either be nocturnal or sub periodic.

Morphology & Diagnosis
Brugia malayi microfilariae are 177-230um in length. There is a sheath that stains pink with Giemsa and stiff with secondary kinks. The head space is twice as long as it is broad. The tail tapers and there are two nuclei that appear constricted or connected by a thin thread. The nuclei in the body appear to be crowded.
Images



Brugia malayi photos left and center by W. Vientos – right photo by CDC
