from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Filariasis \Fil`a*ri"a*sis\, 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]