Elephantiasis, a chronic inflammation that results in gross deformities, is caused by

Wuchereria (Wuchereria bancrofti and Wuchereria malayi) are the filarial worms that cause Filariasis or Elephantiasis. They cause a slow-developing chronic inflammation of the organs in which they live for many years. These organs are usually the lymphatic vessels of the lower limbs.

The genital organs are also often affected, resulting in gross deformities. The pathogens are transmitted to a healthy person through the bite of a female mosquito vector.