Q.88 Which one of the following parasites does NOT cause lymphatic filariasis?
(A) Brugia malayi (B) Brugia timori
(C) Wuchereria bancrofti (D) Mansonella streptocerca

The correct answer is (D) Mansonella streptocerca.​

Lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease, results from infection by specific filarial nematodes that reside in the human lymphatic system, leading to symptoms like lymphedema and elephantiasis. The causative agents are limited to three parasites, as confirmed by global health authorities.​

Option Analysis

(A) Brugia malayi

Brugia malayi causes lymphatic filariasis, primarily in Southeast Asia, where adult worms obstruct lymphatic vessels. It accounts for most non-bancroftian cases, transmitted by Mansonia mosquitoes.​

(B) Brugia timori

Brugia timori also causes lymphatic filariasis, endemic to eastern Indonesia like Timor island. It produces similar pathology, including acute fever and chronic lymphedema.​

(C) Wuchereria bancrofti

Wuchereria bancrofti is the primary cause, responsible for about 90% of global lymphatic filariasis cases worldwide. Transmitted by mosquitoes like Culex and Anopheles, it leads to severe lymphatic blockage.​

(D) Mansonella streptocerca

Mansonella streptocerca does not cause lymphatic filariasis; it causes subcutaneous filariasis (streptocercosis) in West and Central Africa. Adult worms reside in the dermis, leading to skin papules upon death, transmitted by Culicoides midges.​

Lymphatic filariasis parasites like Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti infect the lymphatic system via mosquito bites, causing elephantiasis. This SEO-optimized guide for CSIR NET aspirants explains which parasite does NOT cause lymphatic filariasis, detailing each option.​

Causative Parasites of Lymphatic Filariasis

• Wuchereria bancrofti: Dominates 90% of cases globally, affecting lymphatics in tropics.​

• Brugia malayi: Prevalent in Asia, causes brugian filariasis with nocturnal microfilariae.​

• Brugia timori: Limited to Indonesia, mirrors B. malayi pathology.​

These nematodes block lymph flow, leading to swelling.​

Non-Causative Parasite: Mansonella streptocerca

Mansonella streptocerca resides in skin, not lymphatics, causing pruritic dermatitis. It differs in vector (midges) and symptoms, absent from WHO lymphatic filariasis lists.​