Filariasis Elephantiasis Abnormal The lymph gland system helps clear both infections and fluids from the body.  Elephantiasis is a disease that occurs when various parasitic worms infect the lymph glands.  These parasitic worms are as follows: Wuchereria bancrofti -- found and transmitted in the tropics and subtropics Brugia malay -- found in South India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, South China, the northern coast of China, and South Korea Brugia timori -- found in the southeastern islands of Indonesia.  These organisms are transmitted to humans by mosquito bites in a form called microfilariae Acute infection: Fever Pain in testicles Pain above testicles Enlarged groin lymph nodes Chronic: Massively swollen legs (elephantiasis) Swelling in scrotum White urinary discharge Swollen liver Swollen spleen Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (a form of Lung Infection) Coughing or wheezing Fever Microfilariae in the blood Serologic testing sometimes helpful Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia Increased blood eosinophils High filarial antibody titers High IgE levels Chest X-Ray shows increased bronchovascular markings Diethylcarbamazine Surgery for massive leg swelling (elephantiasis) with a fluid shunting procedure