The histopathology of bancroftian filariasis revisited: the role of the adult worm in the lymphatic-vessel disease

Abstract

Although morphology is generally limited to static images, the histopathological features of bancroftian lymphatic disease are presented here in a way that is as dynamic as possible and closely associated with the clinical, ultrasonographic and surgical characteristics. The protean spectrum of alterations seen in the host's lymphatic vessels is discussed, and the changes caused by the live and dead worms are highlighted, as independent events. Evidence of a remodelling process, in which the lymphatic endothelial cells appear to have a key role, is provided for the first time. Despite many new pieces of information, there remain many 'blank pages' in the natural history of bancroftian filariasis.