Fungi are organisms that can grow in or on the body, causing infections of internal organs or of the skin, nails, and hair. Bread mold and mushrooms are among the most familiar examples of fungi (FUN-ji), organisms that grow in an irregular mass without roots, stems, or leaves. Fungi feed on other organisms, living or [...]
Elephantiasis (el-e-fan-TY-a-sis) is the result of a tropical worm infection called filariasis (fil-a-RY-a-sis). When infected mosquitoes transmit the parasitic worm Wuchereria bancrofti to people, the worm blocks the lymphatic system. The blockage causes swelling in the legs or other parts of the body, making these body parts appear large and puffy, or elephant-like. Elephantiasis is [...]
