Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to the thickening and swelling of the skin and underlying tissues. It is primarily caused by the parasitic worms of the Wuchereria and Brugia species, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Causes of Elephantiasis:
1. Parasitic Worms - Wuchereria and Brugia species are responsible for causing elephantiasis. These worms are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species.

Transmission:
- When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects the infective larvae of the parasitic worms into the skin.
- The larvae then migrate to the lymphatic vessels, where they develop into adult worms over several months.
- The adult worms reside in the lymphatic vessels, causing chronic inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic system.
- This leads to the accumulation of lymph fluid, swelling, and the characteristic deformities associated with elephantiasis.

Factors contributing to transmission:
- Poor sanitation and hygiene practices facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes, increasing the risk of transmission.
- Living in endemic areas with a high prevalence of the disease also increases the chances of contracting the infection.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:
- The initial symptoms include fever, lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes), and lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels).
- Over time, chronic inflammation and lymphatic obstruction lead to the swelling and enlargement of the affected body parts, such as the legs, arms, breasts, and genitals.
- Diagnosis is typically confirmed through microscopic examination of blood samples, which can detect the presence of microfilariae (the larvae of the parasitic worms) in the bloodstream.

Prevention and Treatment:
- Preventive measures focus on controlling mosquito populations through the use of insecticides, bed nets, and the elimination of breeding sites.
- Mass drug administration programs with antiparasitic medications, such as diethylcarbamazine and albendazole, are used to treat and prevent the spread of the infection.
- In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove excess tissue and relieve the physical and psychological burden on affected individuals.

In conclusion, elephantiasis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by parasitic worms of the Wuchereria and Brugia species. These worms are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The disease leads to the thickening and swelling of the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in gross deformities. Preventive measures and early treatment are crucial to control the spread of the disease and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.