Lymphangitis: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease)

Lymphangitis is usually caused by infectious agents washing into the lymphatic system or by the spread of a nearby tissue infection to the lymphatic system.It usually involves infected wounds.

Pathogens are often streptococci or staphylococci.In the tropics, filariasis (nematode infestation) is common.

Etiology (causes)

Disease-related causes.

Injuries, poisonings, and other sequelae of external causes (S00-T98).

  • Infected wounds, often on the extremities.
  • Poisoning, for example, by snake venom.

Drugs

  • Chemotherapeutic agents – in case of accidental extravascular (outside the blood vessel) injection.