DEAR DR. GOTT: When my husband was stationed in the Philippines, he contracted filariasis, which was diagnosed after seeing dozens and dozens of doctors over 18 years. Can the disease affect his kidneys and other organs of the body? He knows it has already damaged his lymph nodes. Any information you can give on this subject will be appreciated.

DEAR READER: It appears your husband was diagnosed with lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection from filarial worms that are threadlike in appearance and common in the tropics. Only the adult worms live in the human lymphatic system. There are three species of filarial parasites that inhabit the human lymphatic system. Each has distinct differences in appearance and calls for different treatment. All three can cause significant dermal damage, with the major symptom affecting the lymphatic system.
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