Filariasis Endemic Area Research Articles

DIVERSITY, DOMINANCY, AND PERIODICITY OF MOSQUITOES IN FILARIASIS ENDEMIC AREAS IN SAMBOREJO VILLAGE TIRTO DISTRICT PEKALONGAN REGENCY

Vector-borne mosquito diseases are still as a public health problem in the world, including in Indonesia. Many of mosquitoes species are significantly as vectors of patogen, such as virus, bacteria, protozoan, and helminths due to human health. Samborejo Village is one of filariasis endemic areas and it is still in a high mf-rate. Each of mosquito species has a differential of distribution, bioactivities pattern, and type of habitat of their breeding sites with others. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity, dominancy, and periodicity pattern of mosquitoes during night time in Samborejo Village Tirto Distric Pekalongan Regency. Mosquitoes collections were done by landing method, from 6 pm - 6 am of in an hour period of collection, for biting and resting activities and also for indoor and outdoor collection respectively. Mosquitoes were then identified and the diversity was analized by Shannon-Wienner Index. The total number of each species was served in percent. Totally there were 339 collected mosquitoes, consisting of 165 (48.67%) females and 174 (51.33%) males. Of all, there were 4 species identified which were Culex quinquefasciatus (92.1%), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (0.6%), Culex vishnui (1.8%), and Aedes aegypti (5.5%). Samborejo Village showed in low diversity with the index of 0.338, and Cx. quinquefasciatus to be the dominant species in this area. Culex quinquefasciatus also became the frequent species in each period of collection for indoor and outdoor, and it showed the indoor active biting at 9 pm, 01 am, and 03 am; furthermore, the outdoor active biting was at midnight (00) and at 03 am. However, Aedes mosquitoe was showed active biting in earlier, it was at 6 pm, 7 pm, and at 02 am.

Diversity and abundance model according to habitat characteristics of filariasis vector, Mansonia spp. in Banyuasin, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Filariasis is an infectious disease caused by filariae worm transmitted by a mosquito as vectors. Mansonia is one of the genera of filariasis vectors. The high risk of filariasis transmission is the existence of habitat character which is qualified for Mansonia spp. One of filariasis endemic area is Banyuasin, South Sumatera, as much as 2.02% microfilaria rate. This study was conducted to estimate the number of vector abundance influenced by habitat characteristic. The data collection was from two villages: Sedang and Muara Sugih, from April 2017 – May 2018. Mosquitos were caught using aspirators and humans as baits. Ecological factors were the physical environment such as temperature measured by thermometer and humidity measured by sling hygrometer. Water parameter and geographic factors were analyzed. Abundance model of Mansonia spp described using regression test for multivariate analysis. Data analysis was performed and presented in form of frequency tables. The number of samples was 4.956 mosquitoes. There were six species such as Mansonia uniformis, Mansonia annulifera, Mansonia indiana, Mansonia dives, Mansonia bonneae, and Mansonia annulata. Sedang Village was dominated by Mansonia uniformis (41.25%) whereas, Muara Sugih Village was by Mansonia bonneae (45.66%). The ideal habitat characteristics for Mansonia spp were environmental conditions with high temperature and humidity, low water turbidity, low water temperature, low pH, TDS, and high TSS. The diversity and abundance of Mansonia spp as a potential vector of filariasis Brugia malayi in Banyuasin regency was closely related to environmental characteristics such as temperature, humidity, water parameters, and plant species.

Evaluation of lymphatic filariasis in endemic area of Brazil where mass drug administration is not required

ABSTRACTMass drug administration (MDA) is the main counter-transmission strategy of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. In endemic countries, there are areas where MDA is not required. However, there is no standard approach in these areas, and studies are important to evaluate the epidemiological status. This study aimed to investigate lymphatic filariasis and strategies developed for its control in an area where MDA is not required. Together with the 2018 morbidity evaluation, a survey was conducted using point-of-care immunochromatographic test-AD12 tests for diagnostic screening in an area where MDA is not required. The methodology also included desk research based on Health Department reports of the control activities for lymphatic filariasis during 2003–2016. Among the 934 cases investigated in 2018, there was a 0.64% prevalence of circulating filarial antigen positive, comprising five adults and one 2-year-old child. Six patients aged 39–63 years had filarial disease. Fourteen surveys have already been conducted as control activities, and since 2009, there have been no positive cases. This study showed that the prevalence of antigenemia decreased from 2.97% in 2003 to 0.64% in 2018. Moreover, the transmission of filariasis infection was under control in this area. Our study provides insights into the surveillance phase by identifying areas of low transmission and where MDA is not required. Although we have not identified cases of filarial infection, there is a need to provide services that will provide assist those already affected with morbidity and help reduce and prevent disability.

Species diversity and community composition of mosquitoes in a filariasis endemic area in Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Pratiwi R, Anwar C, Salni, Hermansyah, Novrikasari, Ghiffari A, Putra R, Huda A. 2019. Species diversity and community composition of mosquitoes in a filariasis endemic area in Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 453-462. Mosquitoes are well known as the most medically important arthropod vectors which should be monitored and evaluated because of their potential to transmit diseases. One step in monitoring and evaluation could be conducted by assessing the presence of prevalent mosquito’s vectors including their species diversity and composition. The present study has successfully recorded the diversity and community composition of mosquitoes in two villages in Banyuasin District, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The research was conducted for four months from December 2016 to March 2017 by collecting mosquitoes using Indoor and Outdoor Human Landing Collection method (HLC). The result shows that there were 8239 mosquitoes collected consisting of 12 genera and 38 species. Mansonia is found as the most dominant genus in Sedang Village, while in Muara Sugih Village, Culex is the most dominant. Assessment on species diversity showed that Sedang Village haes higher diversity compared to Muara Sugih Village. Further analysis indicates that environmental characteristics and presence of water plant play important role in the diversity, abundance, and dominance of mosquitoes. Waterlogged area covered with Pistia stratiotes in Sedang Village likely facilitate the breeding of Mansonia spp while extensive rice field in Muara Sugih Village may enable the high numbers of Culex spp. Anopheles spp. and Aedes spp. mosquitoes. The findings of this study suggest the rationale for the high cases of filariasis in Banyuasin District. Future research should be directed to reveal mosquitoes’ dispersal pattern and its potential as disease vector, the risk of transmitted disease, and further prevention to reduce the number of filariasis cases.

First study of topical selamectin efficacy for treating cats naturally infected with Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi under field conditions.

Lymphatic filariae are important human and animal parasites. Infection by these parasites could lead to severe morbidity and has significant socioeconomic impacts. Topical selamectin is a semi-synthetic macrocyclic lactone that is widely used to prevent heartworm infection. Up until now, there were no studies that investigated the efficacy of selamectin in lymphatic filariae. Therefore, we aimed to study the chemotherapeutic and chemoprophylactic efficacies of selamectin use for cats in brugian filariasis-endemic areas in Southern Thailand. To assess chemotherapeutic efficacy of topical selamectin, eight Brugia malayi and six Brugia pahangi microfilaremic cats were treated with a single administration of topical selamectin. For chemoprophylactic efficacy assessment, a single application of topical selamectin was administrated to 9 healthy, uninfected cats. The cats in both groups were subjected to a monthly blood testing for microfilariae and filarial DNA for 1year. Topical selamectin treatment in B. malayi and B. pahangi microfilaremic cats showed 100% effectivity in eradicating microfilaremia but only 78.5% effectivity in eliminating filarial DNA. In the chemoprophylactic group, selamectin demonstrated 66.7% efficacy in preventing B. malayi infection. Our findings suggest that a single administration of 6mg/kg topical selamectin given every two months could effectively prevent B. malayi infection. Application of topical selamectin twice a year could block circulating microfilariae. Since there are no treatment guidelines currently available for lymphatic filarial infection in cats, the data obtained from this study could be used to guide the management of brugian lymphatic filarial infection in reservoir cats.

Pengetahuan dan Sikap Masyarakat di Daerah Endemis Filariasis Limfatik (Studi Kasus Kabupaten Sarmi, Papua)

District Sarmi is one of the districts in Papua which has the highest rate of microfilaria (mf) (47.06%) up to the year 2012. Province Papua filarial worm is Wuchereria bancrofti and is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito vector. The study aims to analyze the influence of community knowledge and attitudes towards the incidence of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas in Sarmi District. This study used a case-control method. Samples comprised 32 case samples (mf +) and 32 control samples (mf-). The results of this study there was an influence between knowledge of Lymphatic Filariasis Incidence and no influence between attitudes toward lymphatic filariasis Incidence in Sarmi district. Proven by logistic regression test p-value of knowledge (0.019) and attitudes (0.389). According to the results of research and recommendations for lymphatic filariasis, the prevention system is health promotion, community development and training of health workers. Conclusions: Highest gender characteristics was male, adult, level of education from elementary school, the respondents worked as farmers and had low-income levels. Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis, Knowledge, Attitudes.

The Analysis Distribution of Filariasis Vector in Sanggu Village, Southern Barito District

One of filariasis endemic area is located in South Barito, Central Kalimantan, and Indonesia. Finger blood surveys were first conducted in 2004 in Sanggu with 1.34% f rate. The objective of this study is to analyze the spread of filariasis vector in Sanggu, South Barito. The sample of this study is all of the mosquitoes which caught inside and outside the houses which come from 3 point of research location that includes settlement like forest, swamp and lake. The results showed that there are number of species of mosquitoes. Culex sp were found outside and inside the house and 5 species of mosquitoes were; Mansonia sp, Culex sp, Anopheles sp, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus found near in the swamp, lake and forest. The conclusion of the study showed that the most caught mosquito species were Culex Sp and Mosquito as filariasis vector that is inside the house of 12 heads/person/hour and outside of house is 27, 2 tail/person/hour. These could be influenced by the temperature and humidity in the village ranging from 24 ⁰C-28 ⁰C and 84%-90%. The prevention could be done by socializing the discovery of chronic filariasis sufferer, spraying, collecting data of chronic filariasis patient, keeping the house always clean, cleaning environment; cutting shrub or tree and its branches so that sunlight could shine the entire house.

Laboratory Evaluation of a Rapid IgG4 Antibody Test (BLF Rapid™) for Bancroftian Filariasis.

At the end phase of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, antibody testing may have a role in decision-making for bancroftian filariasis-endemic areas. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of BLF Rapid™, a prototype immunochromatographic IgG4-based test using BmSXP recombinant protein, for detection of bancroftian filariasis. The test was evaluated using 258 serum samples, comprising 96 samples tested at Universiti Sains Malaysia (in-house) and 162 samples tested independently at three international laboratories in the USA and India, and two laboratories in Malaysia. The independent testing involved 99 samples from Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria or antigen positive individuals and 63 samples from people who were healthy or had other infections. The in-house evaluation showed 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. The independent evaluations showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 84-100% and 100% specificity (excluding non-lymphatic filarial infections). BLF Rapid has potential as a surveillance diagnostic tool to make "Transmission Assessment Survey"-stopping decisions and conduct post-elimination surveillance.

Immunodiagnostic potential of Wuchereria bancrofti L1 antigen-based filarial immunoglobulin G4 detection assay.

After mass drug administration to eliminate human lymphatic filariasis, there is a need for surveillance to detect the measurable endpoint of the program. An immunodominant seroreactive clone, WbL1, was identified through immunoscreening of a Wuchereria bancrofti L3 complementary DNA expression library. Recombinant WbL1 (rWbL1) was analysed with sera from W. bancrofti patients. Diagnostic evaluation was carried out by developing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the filarial-specific antibodies in various categories of filarial sera samples against recombinant WbL1 (rWbL1) protein. Performance parameters of the test in terms of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG4 detection displayed significant sensitivity and specificity values up to 77% and 100%, respectively. Our results showed filarial antibodies against rWbL1 to be highly reactive with microfilaremic and clinical filarial sera samples compared with the endemic and non-endemic control sera samples. Reasonably satisfactory performance of the test was also confirmed from the multicentric evaluation of an anti-WbL1 IgG4 detection ELISA. This test was found to be minimally reactive with other nematode parasites and protozoan infections. The anti-WbL1 IgG4 detection test can be considered as a field test for initial screening and epidemiological monitoring of filarial infections in filariasis-endemic areas.

Initial Finding of CYP9M10 Gene Haplotype in Culex Quinquefasciatus-Permethrin Resistant Isolate from Natural Population of Central Java Province, Indonesia

Introduction: Culex is a mosquito genus which widely distributed in the tropical, subtropical and temperate climates, both in urban and rural areas all over the world. Culex mosquitoes, especially Culex quinquefasciatus, are the main vector of filariasis. Thus, public health prevention is mainly directed to control these species and the chemical control is the most widely used approach. However, unfavourable effects of such control to the C. quinquefasciatus population have been known in the form of resistance and emergence of this resistance to various insecticides has been reported in many countries. Methods: The metabolic resistance in mosquitoes occurs through the expression of P450 gene family. One of the P450 families is CYP9M10 gene. Partial analysis of the CYP9M10 gene sequences C. quinquefasciatus mosquito reveals the differences between susceptible and resistant alleles. This study was started from the bioassay test of C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from five filariasis-endemic areas in Central Java and was continued on the molecular analysis of CYP9M10 gene. Results: The results of resistance analysis using bioassay test showed that the C. quinquefasciatus mosquito which has been isolated in Central Java showed high levels of resistance against permethrin 0.75% when mortality rates ranged from 4.8% to 21.6%. Conclusion: On the other hand, the molecular analysis revealed three types of haplotypes. The third haplotype had the highest frequency and it exhibited sequence pattern change in the CYP9M10 gene altering the susceptible strain into a resistant one.

Keanekaragaman Jenis dan Perilaku Nyamuk pada Daerah Endemis Filariasis di Kabupaten Barito Kuala, Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Barito Kuala District is one of filariasis endemic area with two mosquito species known as Brugia malayi vector: Culex quinquefasciatus and Mansonia uniformis. Hence, it was necessary to conduct a study in endemic areas of filariasis in Barito Kuala to explore further about diversity of mosquito species and their biting activity. This was an observational study with cross-sectional design performed in two filariasis endemic villages. Mosquitoes were collected by Hand Catches and Human Landing Collection method. There were 12 mosquitoes species of 3 genus found in Antar Raya Village with Cx. tritaeniorhynchus as the most dominant species, while 10 mosquitoes species of 4 genus found in Karya Jadi Village with Ma. uniformis as dominant species. Mansonia uniformis and Cx. quinquefasciatus which found in this study indicated as risk factor for filariasis transmission. Biting activity of Ma. uniformis increased in the afternoon and the morning, while Cx. quinquefasciatus was vary, both endophilic and exophilic.

Distribusi Filariasis Brugia timori dan Wuchereria bancrofti di Desa Kahale, Kecamatan Kodi Balaghar, Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya, Nusa Tenggara Timur

Lymphatic filariasis is still a health problem in the East Nusa Tenggara province. Southwest Sumba District is filariasis endemic area. It is found 35 chronic cases in Kodi Balaghar subdistrict. Although implementation of mass drug adminsitration was held in 2011 but drug coverage had been poor and not reach Kodi Balaghar subdistrict. The purpose of this study were to measure the prevalence and distribution, determine the density and type of parasite and mapping cases in the Kodi Balaghar subdistrict. This research was a descriptive study with cross sectional approach which conducted in the Kahale Village, Kodi Balaghar Subdistrict in 2012. Five hundred people were checked. The results of the examination found that 21 positive microfilariae cases, Mf rate was 4.2%. Two species of microfilariae that found were Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia timori. The distribution filariasis cases is higher in men and higher in reproductive age (15-45 years). There were three types of infection, an infection by B. timori, W. bancrofti, and mixed infections both the microfilariae. The density of microfilariae in the area was 190.86 mf/ml, the density W. bancrofti was 160.04 mf/ml, B. timori was 115.97 mf/ml. Filariasis cases distributed near to potential breeding places of mosquito .

Keberhasilan Pengobatan Massal Filariasis di Kecamatan Kusan Hulu Kabupaten Tanah Bumbu Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Kusan Hulu Sub-district is one of filariasis endemic areas in Tanah Bumbu District of South Kalimantan Province which has implemented partial Mass Drug Administration (MDA) filariasis program starting in 2012 and simultaneously in all area of Tanah Bumbu District starting in 2015. This study aims to determine endemicity filariasis after the first MDA in 2015 in Kusan Hulu Sub-district by conducting a finger blood survey to determine microfilaria rate and know the type of microfilariae. The design of this study was cross sectional. The study was conducted in Kusan Hulu sub-district from March to November 2015. The results of the finger blood survey showed a mf rate of 0.4% of the 500 population. The type of microfilariae found was Brugia malayi. Both positive patients were of male sex with age> 45 years. There was a decrease in mf rate in Kusan Hulu Sub-district from before MDA compared to after the first MDA was conducted from 12.37% in 2008, and 0.91% in 2011 to 0.4% in 2015, so the area became nonendemic (mf rate <1%).

Analisis Faktor Faktor Terhadap Kejadian Filariasis Type Wuchereria Bancrofti, Dan Brugia Malayi Di Wilayah Kabupaten Manggarai Timur Tahun 2016

Filariasis is a chronic infectious disease caused by filarial worms and transmitted by Mansonia, Anopheles, Culex, Armigeres mosquitoes. Living microfilariae are channeled and lymph nodes and cause inflammation of lymph node channels. This disease is one of the serious public health problems in Indonesia. Almost all regions of Indonesia are filariasis-endemic areas, especially in Eastern Indonesia which has a higher prevalence. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with the incidence of filariasis in Pota District, East Manggarai Regency in 2016. The location of this study was carried out in Pota Subdistrict, East Manggarai Regency, with sampling in 4 villages conducted for approximately 2 months, namely in September to October 2016. This study used a descriptive survey method and finger blood survey to see the description of physical environmental factors and behavior of the head of the family in filariasis disease and type of microfilariae. Independent variables (free), which are included in this variable are environmental factors and behavior of the family head with indications of the physical environment (temperature, humidity, place of breeding of family mosquitoes and mosquito resting places) and the behavior of the head of the family which consists of knowledge and attitudes (knowledge of disease Filariasis: Dependent variable (bound) or variable Y which is expected to experience changes due to the influence of independent variables included in this variable is the incidence of Filariasis Disease. The population in this study were all family heads in Pota District, totaling 4570 populations, with Sampling technique is proportionally 154. Data is processed and analyzed descriptively presented in the form of frequency distribution tables of each independent variable with a 95% confidence level (α = 0.05). The results of this study indicate that the four factors include environment, work, Air humidity, per Night effects significantly have a risk of filariasis transmission (p> 0.05). Of the various species found two types of filariasis species namely Wuchereria Bancrofti and Brugia malayi. The conclusion from the results of this study can be concluded that the incidence of filariasis in Sambi Rampas subdistrict, East Manggarai Regency was caused by environmental factors, occupation, air humidity, human behavior and all blood survey samples found (100%) positive for filariasis Wuchereria Bancrofti and Brugia Malayi.

High resolution melting real-time PCR detect and identify filarial parasites in domestic cats

Objective: To detect and identify filarial parasites in dried blood spots (DBS) collected from domestic cats using high resolution melting real-time PCR (HRM RT-PCR). Methods: A total of 208 DBS were collected from domestic cats in a brugian filariasis endemic areas in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Microfilariae were found in 9 blood slides using Giemsa-stained thick blood film. The extracted DNA from blood spot volumes of 10 and 20 μL DBS with positive filarial parasites in cats were performed using HRM RT-PCR method. The primers were designed based on the partial mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for identifying Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi, Dirofilaria immitis. All purified samples were then detected. Results: Using different volumes of 10 μL and 20 μL DBS could easily distinguish filarial parasites and showed similar results. PCR amplicons of Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi and Dirofilaria immitis were determined at melting peak (temperature) of 75.70 77.46 and 73.56 respectively. All 9 positive DBS samples showed positive Brugia pahangi and similar nucleotide sequences. Conclusions: This HRM RT-PCR method is able to diagnose, identify and discriminate filarial parasites collected from DBS, which is simple and inexpensive compared with other probe-based genotyping methods. Furthermore, this method is useful to survey, prevent and control filariasis.

High Levels of Resistance in A Culex quinquefasciatus Population to the Insecticide Permethrin in Filariasis Endemic Areas in Central Java

Resistance among Culex mosquitoes to various insecticides has been reported in many countries. However, there have been no studies of the resistance status of Culex in Indonesia. There is a need for such studies to develop a database for use in vector control management. This study aimed to investigate the insecticide resistance status of C. quenquefasciatus , which is the primary vector of filariasis, to aid the planning of a vector control management program. In the present study, Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were collected from five districts/municipalities where filariasis is endemic in Central Java. The larvae were reared to adult stage, and insecticide susceptibility testing was then conducted according to standard bioassay procedures of the World Health Organization (WHO). The results of the bioassays showed that C. quinquefasciatus had a high level of resistance against 0.75% permethrin, with mortality rates ranging from 4.8 to 21.6%. The lowest resistance was found among mosquitoes collected from Grobogan district. This may be explained by the district’s remote geographical location. The high level of resistance found in the present study may be caused by exposure to local insecticides, which have been applied for many years as part of a dengue vector control program. These insecticides may also have contaminated the breeding sites of C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Better vector control management is needed to help prevent the development and spread of resistance. Such management should include routine insecticide surveillance and insecticide alternation.

Spatial Analysis of Determinants of Filariasis-Endemic Areas in West Sumatra

West Pasaman District and Agam District are filariasis-endemic areas in West Sumatra with prevalence of 12.40 per 100,000 cases and 11.27 per 100,000 cases respectively. This study aimed to determine risk factors associated with the prevalence of filariasis and mapping the vulnerability of the area in West Sumatra. A case control study design was conducted in the West Pasaman District and Agam District. The study used a sample of 74 cases and 74 controls taken by simple random sampling for the case and purposive random sampling for control. Data analysis used univariate, bivariate, multivariate and spatial. The results in Agam District showed that variables associated relation with filariasis (p value < 0.05) were the level of knowledge, plantations, the paddy, the ceiling of the house. The most dominant risk factor was knowledge. Type of vector that was found was Culex. While in West Pasaman District, the variable associated with filariasis (p value < 0.05) was the use of mosquito nets, the habit of dressing, marshes, and ceiling. The most dominant risk factor was the ceiling of the house.

RELATION BETWEEN LENGTH OF STAY AND ANTI-FILARIAL IgG4 LEVEL IN PONDOK GEDE SUB-DISTRICT, BEKASI DISTRICT, WEST JAVA

Filariasis is a contagious disease caused by worms of the genus Filaria which transmitted through the bite of various species of mosquitoes. In Indonesia, the existence of filariasis cases are still very concerning. Jati Sampurna and Jati Karya villages in Pondokgede Sub-district, Bekasi District, West Java have been known as filariasis endemic area. Length of stay is presumed as one of many factors that affects filariasis occurrence in those villages. This study aimed to determine the distribution of anti-filarial IgG4 on the region and its comparison with the length of stay and residence status. This study was based on secondary data. Secondary data were obtained from primary research data done by cross-sectional method. These data were used to assess the correlation of filarial infection risk factors in pregnant women living in endemic areas based on the distribution of anti-filarial IgG4 in Pondok Gede, Bekasi district, West Java. The study showed that there was an increase in anti-filarial IgG4 against residence status (p=0.017) and a positive correlation between the number of anti-filarial IgG4 with length of stay in years (p=0.003).

Wuchereria bancrofti infection at four primary schools and surrounding communities with no previous blood surveys in northern Uganda: the prevalence after mass drug administrations and a report on suspected non-filarial endemic elephantiasis

BackgroundA prevalence study of Wuchereria bancrofti infection was carried out in 2014 at 4 study sites in northern Uganda using antigen and microfilaria tests. Each study site consists of a primary school and surrounding communities. These sites are inside the filariasis endemic area and have been covered by mass drug administration under the national elimination programme. However, no prevalence study had been conducted there before the present study. Without information on past and present endemicity levels, our study was meant to be an independent third-party investigation to know the latest filariasis situation.ResultsA total of 982 people including 570 schoolchildren (7–19 years) and 412 community people (7–25 years) were examined, all of them for filarial antigen and 695 for microfilariae. The study revealed that all subjects were negative by both methods.ConclusionsIt was considered that annual mass drug administrations together with anti-malarial activities such as indoor residual spraying had contributed to the reduction of the filarial infection. However, based on the past data obtained near our study sites, we cannot exclude the possibility that filarial prevalence rates in our study sites were very low or even zero originally. During the study, we encountered several patients with lower leg edema and pachydermic (elephant skin-like), mossy skin lesion of the foot. Judging from clinical features and bare-footed life-style of people in the area, non-filarial elephantiasis, possibly podoconiosis, was suspected. This elephantiasis has been reported in areas where filariasis is not endemic.

Coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas of bidar district, karnataka

Coverage and compliance of mass drug administration for elimination of lymphatic filariasis in endemic areas of bidar district, karnataka