Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori is a public health problem of considerable magnitude of the tropics and subtropics. Presently 1.3 billion people are at risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection and about 120 million people are affected in 83 countries. In this context it is worth mentioning that 'nature' itself limits filarial transmission to a great extent in a number of ways such as by reducing vector populations, parasitic load and many other bearings. Possibilities to utilize these bearings of natural control of filariasis should be searched and if manipulations on nature, like indiscriminate urbanization and deforestation, creating sites favourable for the breeding of filarial vectors and unsanitary conditions, water pollution with organic matters etc., are reduced below the threshold level, we will be highly benefited. Understandings of the factors related to natural phenomena of control of filariasis narrated in this article may help to adopt effective control strategies.
Highlights
Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori is a major public health problem of the tropics and subtropics
World wide 1.3 billion people are at risk of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection and about 120 million people are affected in 83 countries [14]
Any or more of the natural phenomena narrated below may be utilised judiciously to secure better control methods of filariasis besides methods involved in the Global Program for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) launched in 1999 [16]
Summary
Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori is a major public health problem of the tropics and subtropics. Vector mortality Numbers of Cx. quinquefasciatus carrying microfilariae, first stage, second stage and third stage larvae of W. bancrofti in nature gradually decreased in both urban and rural areas [43,45]. It is an indication that all the mosquitoes (initially infected with microfilariae) cannot survive the period required for the development of microfilariae into third stage infective larvae. Natural vector mortality during the period required for the development of microfilariae into third stage infective larvae is indicative of reduction in transmission. The regulation of mf uptake varied significantly between the vector genera, being weakest in Culex, stronger in Aedes and most severe and occurring at significantly lower human mf loads in Anopheles mosquitoes It indicates lower intensities of transmission in the vast endemic areas where Culex acts as vector. All these mechanisms have a natural bearing in limiting transmission
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