Sandbox:Filariasis pathogenesis

Factor	Role in pathogenesis
Immune response of the host	In several studies, it has been noticed that there is a strong correlation between the host immune response and lymphoedema development. The immune response is higher in the lymphedema patients more than the patients with microfilariae just cirulating in the blood. Hence, it is believed the role of the immune response in development of the lymphedema as it leads to inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. Infection by filariasis induces cell mediated immunity in response to the filarial antigens. This will lead to production of cytokines and interleukns. High levels of immunoglobulins (IgG1,2,3) has been detected in patients with lymphedema which increases the evidence of the role of the immune response in pathogenesis of the disease.
Secondary bacterial infections	Adenolymphangitis is a result of the inflammation induced by the filarial infection and the immune response. It is believed that it worsens the disease and leads to morbidity. It affects the lower limbs resulting in cord like lesion of the lymphatic vessels and worsening of the filariasis.
Worm antigens accumulation
Wolbachia bacteria