Elephantiasis. Historical medical illustration of severe elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis) affecting the leg and the scrotum. This condition is cau

Elephantiasis. Historical medical illustration of severe elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis) affecting the leg and the scrotum. This condition is caused by infection of the lymphatics with parasitic worms of the species Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, or Wuchereria bancrofti. Spread by blood-sucking insects, the worms cause inflammation of the lymph vessels, resulting in swelling, and thickened, fissured skin. From Atlas of Venereal and Skin Diseases by Prince Albert Morrow, published in 1889.