2. Introduction
Lymphatic filariasis, considered
globally as a neglected tropical
disease (NPD), is a vector born
parasitic disease caused by
microscopic, thread-like worms.
90% of infections are caused
by Wuchereria bancrofti and
the remainder by Brugia spp
The infection spreads from
person to person by mosquito
bites.
In communities where filariasis
is transmitted, all ages are
affected
Wuchereria
Bancrofti
Brugia malayi
Culex Aedes Anopheles
4. Symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis
• No symptoms of filarial infection
• Hidden damage to the lymphatics or kidneysAsymptomatic
• Recurrent attacks of fever
• inflammation of the lymph nodes &
lymphatic
Acute
• Develops years after initial infection
• Hydrocele, lymphoedema, elephantiasis &
chylouria
Chronic
Acute dermatolymphangioadenitis
Lymphoedema
Hydrocele
6. Lab Diagnosis
Detection of microfilariae by thick smear
Circulating filarial antigen (CFA) testing-
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test
• Alere Filariasis Test Strip (FTS)
• BinaxNow Filariasis Immunochromatographic test (ICT)
Point-of-care tests (POC)-
Detection of filarial DNA by RT-PCR
Alere filariasis
test strip
7. Prevention and Control
GPELF
• Established at 2000 by WHO
• Aim: Eliminate LF as a public
health problem by 2020
COMPONENTS OF GPELF
Interrupting transmission
Mass Drug Administration (MDA)
Vector Control
Management of morbidity &
preventing disability (MMDP)
8. Provision of MDA from 2000-2014
Fig. A Cumulative number of treatments Fig. B Proportion of cumulative number of treatments
10. LF Burden in Bangladesh
Population at risk:
70 million
Infected: 20 million
Total no of endemic
districts: 34
Total no of districts
requiring Mass Drug
Administration
(MDA): 19
11. Thank You For Your Attention
Does any one have questions?
rezwanul.hasan@northsouth.edu
