Dictionary > Wuchereria bancrofti

Wuchereria bancrofti

Definition
A species of the family Onchocercidae that infects the lymphatic system and causes lymphatic filariasis
Supplement
Wuchereria bancrofti is a filarial nematode of humans. It belongs to the family Onchocercidae, Phylum Nematoda. W. bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori are the three species that cause lymphatic filariasis. These filariae infect the lymphatic system and make use of insects as vectors. W. bancrofti is the most prevalent and found commonly in Central Africa, South and Central America, tropical regions of Asia, etc.
W. bancrofti exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male adult worm is smaller than the female. The male is about 40 mm in length and 100 micrometers in width. The female is about 60 to 100 mm in length and 300 micrometers in width. The male has a curved tail and with additional sensory organs whereas the female has a tapered rounded tip and lacking in additional sensory structures. The male and female adults are usually found coiled together. The gravid female produces young larvae called as microfilariae.
W. bancrofti makes use of mosquitoes as its intermediate host. Parasite transmission occurs during when the infested mosquito feeds on the blood of the human host.
When filariasis caused by W. bancrofti becomes chronic, elephantiasis may occur.
Scientific classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Nematoda
  • Class: Secernentea
  • Order: Spirurida
  • Family: Onchocercidae
  • Genus: Wuchereria
  • Species: W. bancrofti (Cobbold, 1877) Seurat, 1921

See also:

  • filarial
  • filariasis
  • elephantiasis


  • You will also like...

    Birth of a Human Baby
    Birth of a Human Baby

    Following nine months inside the mother's womb is the birth of the baby. Know the different stages of the birthing proce..

    Types and Causes of Brain Damage
    Types and Causes of Brain Damage

    This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

    Sugar Homeostasis
    Sugar Homeostasis

    The blood sugar level is regulated by two hormones. The mechanism behind this type of negative feedback control is descr..

    IQ, Creativity and Learning
    IQ, Creativity and Learning

    Human intelligence provided the means to utilize abstract ideas and implement reasoning. This tutorial takes a further l..

    An artistic depiction of Dunkleosteus fish
    Fish

    The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..

    Geological Periods
    Geological Periods

    Geological periods is a study guide that cites the different geological periods on Earth's timeline. Each has a brief ov..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics