Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis, the swelling of the lymph nodes, is a commonly recognized symptom of many diseases. An early manifestation of filariasis, lymphadenitis more frequently occurs in the inguinal area during B. malayi infection and can occur before the worms mature.
Lymphangitis is the inflammation of the lymphatic vessels in response to infection. It occurs early in the course of infection in response to worm development, molting, death, or bacterial and fungal infection. The affected lymphatic vessel becomes distended and tender, and the overlying skin becomes erythemous and hot. Abscess formation and ulceration of the affected lymph node occasionally occurs during B. malayi infection, more readily than in Bancroftian filariasis. Remnants of adult worms can sometimes be found in the ulcer drainage