Question

Filariasis is also called elephantiasis because:

• A. Body parts swell
• B. It is caused by elephant
• C. It is caused by Ascaris
• D. It is caused by Entamoeba

Hint:

Elephantiasis = Filariasis \[ \textit{Wuchereria bancrofti} \rightarrow \text{Blocks lymphatic vessels} \] \[ \text{Lymphatic blockage} \rightarrow \text{Severe swelling of limbs} \] This characteristic swelling gives the disease its name "elephantiasis".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the causative organism of filariasis. Filariasis (elephantiasis) is caused by filarial worms such as: \[ \textit{Wuchereria bancrofti} \] and \[ \textit{Wuchereria malayi} \] These parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Step 2: Understand why it is called elephantiasis. The parasites block lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. As a result: \[ \text{Lymph accumulates in tissues} \] causing excessive swelling of body parts such as:
• Legs
• Scrotum
• Arms The swollen body parts resemble the thick limbs of an elephant. Hence the disease is called: \[ \boxed{\text{Elephantiasis}} \]

Step 3: Evaluate the options.
• Body parts swell \(\rightarrow\) Correct \(\checkmark\)
• Caused by elephant \(\rightarrow\) Incorrect \(\times\)
• Caused by Ascaris \(\rightarrow\) Causes ascariasis \(\times\)
• Caused by Entamoeba \(\rightarrow\) Causes amoebiasis \(\times\) Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Body parts swell}} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]