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Etiology and Pathophysiology

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Lymphedema
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Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. 1,2 The adult worms live in the lymphatic vessels and are responsible for the primary lesions causing lymph stasis. Lymph stasis predisposes to bacterial infections and host inflammatory response. Adult worms die after some time, but bacterial colonization of tissues continues. The pathological changes in tissues develop further, leading to an increase in limb volume, hyperkeratosis, and fibrosis.

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Olszewski, W.L. (2011). Etiology and Pathophysiology. In: Lee, BB., Bergan, J., Rockson, S. (eds) Lymphedema. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-567-5_57

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-567-5_57

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-566-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-567-5

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