BASEL, SWITZERLAND – A 72-year-old man from Zimbabwe, living in Switzerland for the past 20 years, received a shocking diagnosis after enduring 17 years of silence with a severely swollen penis. Doctors at University Hospital Basel revealed that the man had been living with swelling in his leg, scrotum, and penis, causing his member to appear partially erect.
The man’s unique symptoms were initially identified during a hospital stay, where excess fluid in his leg prompted further investigation. A visit to a dermatology clinic in Basel later uncovered swelling in his penis and scrotum. After a series of tests, doctors discovered an infection caused by microscopic, thread-like worms, leading to inflammation in his private parts and leg.
Diagnosed with chronic lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes, the man was treated with two potent parasitic drugs to eliminate the worms. Following the treatment, the patient’s symptoms had resolved, indicating a successful recovery.
Lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is caused by three types of parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. The worms invade the lymphatic system, disrupting fluid balance and immune responses in the body. Most infected individuals do not exhibit symptoms, but some may experience swelling in various body parts years after infection.
According to the World Health Organization, over 120 million people in 72 countries across Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America are affected by lymphatic filariasis. The disease, which can cause severe complications such as lymphedema and hydrocele, persists for years due to the longevity of the worms and their ability to produce millions of larvae during their lifespan.
While the risk of contracting lymphatic filariasis in the UK is low, the disease remains a significant public health concern in endemic regions. Understanding the transmission and effects of parasitic infections like lymphatic filariasis is crucial in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies worldwide.