Elephantiasis Parasite's Genome

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Elephantiasis Parasite's Genome

• By Esther Okeke

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Terms to Know

• Elephantiasis is a disease that is characterized
  by the thickening of the skin and underlying
  tissues, especially in the legs and genitals.
• Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by
  roundworms
• Lymph Edema Is a condition of localized fluid
  retention caused by a compromised lymphatic
  system.

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Cont. terms to know

• Brugia malayi a causative agent of human
  lymphatic filariasis leading to lymph edema and
  swelling of the legs
• Genome a complete DNA sequence of one set of
  chromosomes.

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Elephantiasis

• A Debilitating disease.
• Abnormal accumulation of watery fluid in the
  tissues causing severe swelling.
• Skin usually develops a thickened, pebbly
  appearance and may become ulcerated and darkened
  

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Cont. Elephantiasis

• Caused by the Brugia malayi parasite.
• The adults dwell in various human tissue where
  they can live for several years.
• Tissues they reside in are the lymphatic vessels
  and lymph nodes.

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Summary of Article

• Documented the genetic sequence of Brugia malayi.
• Reveals the potential new targets for drugs or
  vaccines.

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Cont. Summary of Article

• Current drugs only target the larvae.
• Dont completely kill the worm.
• Take drugs periodically for years.

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Cont. summary of article

• Understanding what genes are essential in
  parasitic life cycle is important.
• More possible for scientist target genes
  specifically to interrupt its life cycle.
• Understanding the worms can help with transplant
  surgery.

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References

• http//heath.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday
• http//www.cdfound.to.it/html/bru1.htm
• http//elephantiasis.freeyellow.com/