Wuchereria bancrofti is a helminth/nematode

Disease / Pathology

Wuchereria bancrofti causes elephantiasis. The occurrence of microfilariae in the blood is nocturnal / sub-periodic in periodicity.

Location in the Host

Wuchereria bancrofti adult worms are present in the lymphatics while the microfilariae can be found in the blood or hydrocele fluid.

Geographic Distribution

Wuchereria bancrofti is distributed throughout the tropics and sub-tropics worldwide but is especially prevalent in India, China, Indonesia.

Life Cycle

Wuchereria bancrofti are transmitted by the mosquito. Specifically, Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes. The L3 larvae form found in the proboscis of the mosquito is the infective form.

Morphology & Diagnosis

Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae are 244-296um in length. A sheath is present that is described as graceful and sweeping while the stain color it retains with Geimsa is that of blue/pale.

The cuclei do not extend to the tip of the tail. The tail tapers to a delicate point. The terminal nuclei elongate.

Images

Wuchereria bancrofti photos by W. Vientos