%filariasis%

n. [ NL. ] 1. (Zool., Med.) the presence of filariae within the body of an organism; infection with filariae. It is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. PJC ]

2. (Med.) a disease caused by nematodes in the blood or tissues of the body causing blockage of lymphatic vessels. Death of the adult worms may lead to inflammation and permanent fibrosis; the condition may lead to serious symptoms, such as elephantiasis or blindness. See river blindness [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]