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Intern Med 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan.

Intern Med 2019 Apr 17. Epub 2019 Apr 17.

Division of General Medicine, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Japan.

Parasitol Res 2019 Feb 15;118(2):539-549. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund Freud Str. 25, 53127, Bonn, Germany.

Worldwide approximately 68 million people are infected with lymphatic filariasis (Lf), provoked by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. This disease can lead to massive swelling of the limbs (elephantiasis) and disfigurement of the male genitalia (hydrocele). Filarial induced immune regulation is characterised by dominant type 2 helper T cell and regulatory immune responses. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2018 Nov 13;11(1):588. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

WHO Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.

Background: Control of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in most of the sub-Saharan African countries is based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) using a combination of ivermectin and albendazole. Monitoring the impact of this intervention is crucial for measuring the success of the LF elimination programmes. This study assessed the status of LF infection in Rufiji district, southeastern Tanzania after twelve rounds of MDA. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018 11 12;12(11):e0006944. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

College of Medicine & Dentistry, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

Lymphatic filariasis is widely endemic in Myanmar. Despite the establishment of an elimination program in 2000, knowledge of the remaining burden of disease relies predominantly on programmatic information. To assist the program, we conducted an independent cross-sectional household cluster survey to determine the prevalence of filariasis infection, morbidity and mass-drug administration coverage in four townships of the Mandalay Region: Amarapura, Patheingyi, Tada-U and Wundwin. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2018 Sep 26;2018. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

General Surgery, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by nematode filariae , or It is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and affects the lymphatic system of humans, who are the definitive host while mosquito is the intermediate host. The most common manifestation of the disease is hydrocele followed by lower limb lymphoedema and elephantiasis. Although filariasis is much more common entity in north India, its presentation as retroperitoneal cyst is very rare with reported incidence rate of 1/105 000. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2018 Jul 20;11(1):429. Epub 2018 Jul 20.

Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, 1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) control in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa is based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) with a combination of ivermectin and albendazole, in order to interrupt transmission. However, attaining and maintaining high treatment coverage has been a challenge in many LF control programmes. This study was designed to elucidate reasons for continued transmission of LF in an endemic area of Tanga, northeastern Tanzania, where control activities based on MDA had been in place for eight years by the time of this study in 2012. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018 07 2;12(7):e0006491. Epub 2018 Jul 2.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and podoconiosis are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that pose a significant physical, social and economic burden to endemic communities. Patients affected by the clinical conditions of LF (lymphoedema and hydrocoele) and podoconiosis (lymphoedema) need access to morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services. Clear estimates of the number and location of these patients are essential to the efficient and equitable implementation of MMDP services for both diseases. Read More

PLoS One 2018 21;13(6):e0199090. Epub 2018 Jun 21.

Division of Immunology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

Lymphatic filariasis is a complex parasitic disease having a spectrum of clinical parameters which are critical in deciding the severity of the pathogenesis. Individuals residing in the endemic areas are categorized into different clinical groups such as: EC (endemic controls-free of disease and infection), AS (asymptomatic carriers- free of disease but carries both antigens and microfilaria (Mf) in circulation), CR (cryptic-free of disease and Mf but having circulatory antigen) and CH (chronic-having manifestations of elephantiasis and hydrocele). The immune response to the parasitic infection is well studied, whereas the protective mechanism explaining the fate of antigenemia and filaremia between AS and CR group remains unexplained. Read More

J Trop Med 2018 16;2018:5134670. Epub 2018 May 16.

Núcleo de Ensino, Pesquisa e Assistência em Filariose (NEPAF), Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.

Background: In endemic areas, lymphangiectasia is the fundamental alteration to live adult worms which, in adult males, are usually found in the lymphatic vessels of the spermatic cord; accordingly, hydrocele/filaricele is the most common clinical manifestation of bancroftian filariasis. The pathogenic role of the lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and the status of mesothelial cells (MCs) samples of the parietal layer (PL) of the tunica vaginalis testis were examined.

Methods: The PL of thirty-two patients, excised for different reasons, was examined by histology and immunohistochemistry using the D2-40 monoclonal antibody for identification of LECs and CK-7 antibody for recognition of mesothelial cells (MCs). Read More

Parasite Epidemiol Control 2018 Feb 28;3(1):21-35. Epub 2017 Dec 28.

Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

Nigeria has the heaviest burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in sub-Saharan Africa, which is caused by the parasite and transmitted by mosquitoes. LF is targeted for elimination and the national programme is scaling up mass drug administration (MDA) across the country to interrupt transmission. However, in some regions the co-endemicity of the filarial parasite (loiasis) is an impediment due to the risk of severe adverse events (SAEs) associated with the drug ivermectin. Read More

Parasite Epidemiol Control 2017 Aug 7;2(3):71-84. Epub 2017 May 7.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, and Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

The Republic of Angola is a priority country for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination, however, the co-distribution of the filarial parasite (loiasis) is a significant impediment, due to the risk of severe adverse events (SAEs) associated with ivermectin used in mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns. Angola has a high risk loiasis zone identified in Bengo Province where alternative interventions may need to be implemented; however, the presence and geographical overlap of the three filarial infections/diseases are not well defined. Therefore, this study conducted a rapid integrated filarial mapping survey based on readily identifiable clinical conditions of each disease in this risk zone to help determine prevalence and co-distribution patterns in a timely manner with limited resources. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018 Jul 3;99(1):112-115. Epub 2018 May 3.

Centre for Research on Filariasis and other Tropical Diseases (CRFilMT), Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Loiasis is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the filarial nematode and transmitted by the tabanid vectors from the genus . infection is associated with clinical manifestations such as pruritus, migratory transient edema, passage of adult worm in the bulbar conjunctiva, retinal damage, glomerular damage, albuminuria, pleural effusion, hydrocele, and endomyocardial fibrosis. Data reporting the occurrence of spontaneous encephalopathy associated with loiasis are very scanty. Read More

Trop Med Health 2018 16;46:14. Epub 2018 Apr 16.

Vector Borne Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

Background: As Myanmar progresses towards lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination, it is important to know how well the anti-filarial activities have performed. The present study was conducted to study the implementation of the key anti-filarial activities and their impact on key indicators of LF transmission.

Methods: A secondary analysis of aggregate program data on the anti-filarial activities was conducted in four endemic state/regions of Myanmar receiving at least six mass drug administration (MDA) rounds during 2001-2016. Read More

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018 Mar 26;113(5):e170435. Epub 2018 Mar 26.

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brasil.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease caused mainly by the Wuchereria bancrofti worm and that affects up to 120 million people worldwide. LF is the second cause of chronic global deformity, responsible for 15 million people with lymphedema (elephantiasis) and 25 million men with scrotal hydrocele. Its diagnosis is still associated with numerous difficulties, such as the sample collection periods (microfilaria nocturnal periodicity) and limited diagnostic kits. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2018 Feb 20;7(1):15. Epub 2018 Feb 20.

National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Ministry of Health, 477 Betong Street (Corner St.92), Village Trapangsvay, Sanakat Phnom Penh Thmey, Khan Sensok, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Background: Endemicity of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Cambodia was proven in 1956 when microfilariae were detected in mosquitos in the Kratié province. In 2001, an extensive study confirmed the presence of both Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae. In 2003, the Ministry of Health established a national task force to develop policies and strategies for controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with the goal of eliminating LF by 2015. Read More

BMC Public Health 2018 01 30;18(1):201. Epub 2018 Jan 30.

American Leprosy Missions, Greenville, USA.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are disabling infectious diseases endemic in Nepal. LF infection can lead to lymphoedema and hydrocoele, while secondary effects of leprosy infection include impairments to hands, eyes and feet. The disabling effects of both conditions can be managed through self-care and the supportive effects of self-help groups (SHGs). Read More

Intractable Rare Dis Res 2017 Aug;6(3):215-218

Department of Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused by nematodes and . Lymphatic filariasis is a spectrum of illness and can manifest as, asymptomatic microfilaraemia, acute lymphatic filariasis (lymphangitis and lymphoedema), chronic lymphoedema, elephantiasis, hydrocele, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and some systemic manifestations which involves joint, heart, kidney, nerve, We here present a case of huge splenomegaly caused by lymphatic filariasis which is a rare presentation and only few cases had been reported in the world literature so far. After treatment of filariasis spleen size was reduced dramatically and patient is doing well even after 6 months of follow up after therapy. Read More

Ethiop Med J 2017 ;55(Suppl 1):45-54

Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring diseases common in Ethiopia and is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti. Mapping for LF has shown that 70 woredas (districts) are endemic and 5.9 million people are estimated to be at risk. Read More

Trends Parasitol 2017 10 27;33(10):788-798. Epub 2017 Jul 27.

Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA. Electronic address:

The capacity of vector insect surveillance to provide estimates of pathogen prevalence and transmission potential has long been recognized within the global communities tasked with eliminating lymphatic filariasis (LF), the underlying cause of elephantiasis and hydrocele, and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Initially restricted to the practice of dissection, the potential of vector monitoring has grown due to the advent of molecular methods capable of increasing the sensitivity and throughput of testing. However, despite such advancement, operational research gaps remain. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jul 14;11(7):e0005748. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (CNTD), Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is best known for the disabling and disfiguring clinical conditions that infected patients can develop; providing care for these individuals is a major goal of the Global Programme to Eliminate LF. Methods of locating these patients, knowing their true number and thus providing care for them, remains a challenge for national medical systems, particularly when the endemic zone is a large urban area.

Methodology/principle Findings: A health community-led door-to-door survey approach using the SMS reporting tool MeasureSMS-Morbidity was used to rapidly collate and monitor data on LF patients in real-time (location, sex, age, clinical condition) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Jun 1;11(6):e0005567. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

CBM International and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis is a chronic, disabling and often disfiguring condition that principally impacts the world's poorest people. In addition to the well-recognised physical disability associated with lymphedema and hydrocele, affected people often experience rejection, stigma and discrimination. The resulting emotional consequences are known to impact on the quality of life and the functioning of the affected individuals. Read More

J Family Med Prim Care 2016 Jul-Sep;5(3):553-557

Department of Microbiology, Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Background: The knowledge of the current prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and its transmission will be helpful in its elimination. Thus, the present study is aimed to determine its prevalence among hydrocele patients which is a common presentation in chronically infected cases.

Materials And Methods: One hundred patients suffering from hydrocele admitted to the surgical ward were included in the study. Read More

J Trop Med 2016 6;2016:7408187. Epub 2016 Dec 6.

National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, P.O. Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania.

. Tanzania started a countrywide lymphatic filariasis elimination programme in 2000 adopting the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy. The drug used for the programme was the combination of ivermectin and albendazole. Read More

Lymphology 2017 ;50(4):164-182

Department of Immunology, National Institute of Health, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India.

Filariasis is caused by thread-like nematode worms and is classified according to their presence in the vertebrate host. The lymphatic group includes Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, has been one of the most prevalent diseases in tropical and subtropical countries and is accompanied by a number of pathological conditions. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2017 03;64(6):728-735

Global Health Programs, GlaxoSmithKline, London, UK.

Background: It has been estimated that $154 million per year will be required during 2015-2020 to continue the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF). In light of this, it is important to understand the program's current value. Here, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of the preventive chemotherapy that was provided under the GPELF between 2000 and 2014. Read More

Acta Med Indones 2016 Jul;48(3):239-241

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Pelita Harapan - Siloam Hospital Lippo Village, Banten, Indonesia.

A 51-year-old male came with the complaint of recurrent swelling in the scrotum and legs. Swelling of the scrotum first appeared 17 years ago in the left scrotum approximately the same size as an apple and underwent surgery. However, 2 years after surgery, the swelling reemerged and gradually increase in size in both scrotums. Read More

Acta Trop 2016 Nov 15;163:54-60. Epub 2016 Jul 15.

Lymphatic Filariasis National Center, Parasitology Department, Aggeu Magalhães Research Center, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, PE, Brazil; Pathology Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco, PE, Brazil. Electronic address:

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis has two main components: interrupting transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and managing morbidity and preventing disability. However, interventions to prevent and manage LF-related disabilities in endemic communities have been of limited extent. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of morbidity and its correlation with filarial infection, thereby filling a gap that existed regarding the data on morbidity in Brazil. Read More

J Vector Borne Dis 2015 Dec;52(4):314-20

Regional Medical Research Centre, Northeastern Region (ICMR), Dibrugarh, Assam, India.

Background & Objectives: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in the state of Assam and mass drug administration (MDA) programme for LF elimination is being implemented in the state since 2004. A study on prevalence of microfilaria (mf), disease endemicity and vector infection was carried out in a tea garden population of Dibrugarh, Assam (India) to assess the effect of ongoing MDA programme on elimination of LF.

Methods: Finger prick thick blood smears (20 mm3) were made from individuals aged ≥2 yr old during night blood survey in between 2000-0000 hrs during the period of November 2012 to February 2013. Read More

Trop Biomed 2015 Jun;32(2):365-75

Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) caused by the nematode Wuchereria bancrofti is a major public health concern in endemic communities worldwide. Among tropical diseases it is second to malaria in terms of disability adjusted life years. The Nigerian LF elimination programme has been slated for 2015. Read More

Trop Med Int Health 2016 Feb 18;21(2):236-44. Epub 2015 Dec 18.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Objectives: Situational analysis of lymphatic filariasis (LF) morbidity and its management in Ahanta West, Ghana, to identify potential barrier to healthcare for LF patients.

Methods: Lymphoedema and hydrocoele patients were identified by community health workers from a subset of villages, and were interviewed and participated in focus group discussions to determine their attitudes and practices towards managing their morbidity, and their perceived barriers to accessing care. Local health professionals were also interviewed to obtain their views on the availability of morbidity management services in the district. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2015 Oct 26;8:562. Epub 2015 Oct 26.

Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

Background: The Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme in Ghana involves annual mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin and albendazole to persons living in endemic areas. This is repeated annually for 4-6 years to span across the reproductive lifespan of adult worms. In order to stimulate participation of community members in the MDA programme, this study was carried out to understand local views on transmission, management and prevention of the disease. Read More

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015 Nov;109(11):700-9

Filarial Programmes Support Unit-Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia

Background: Bangladesh has a high burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF) disease. This survey estimated the current number of clinical cases in a historically endemic district after a decade of mass drug administration (MDA).

Methods: A cluster survey was conducted in 30 villages of Nilphamari District. Read More

World J Surg 2015 Dec;39(12):2885-99

College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

Genital manifestations of lymphatic filariasis (genital LF) are a significant cause of disfigurement and disability in the developing world. Surgery is the standard treatment; however, definitive publications are lacking and best practice remains unclear. An exhaustive search strategy using keyword and subject headings was applied to Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Scopus. Read More

J Infect Dev Ctries 2015 Mar 18;9(5):456-62. Epub 2015 Mar 18.

Anglican University College of Technology, Nkoranza, BA, Ghana.

Filarial hydrocele is the most common chronic manifestation of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and poses a major public health burden to several filarial endemic countries. This review highlights the socio-economic impact of the disease, the role of the immune system in hydrocele development, current diagnostic approaches, and the control and management of filarial hydrocele. In the quest to facilitate the global effort to eliminate filarial hydrocele as a neglected tropical disease, a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and development of the condition is important. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2015 May 16;15:214. Epub 2015 May 16.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

Background: Lymphoedema and hydrocoele are the two most common clinical manifestations of lymphatic filariasis (LF). In order to effectively target morbidity management strategies, more information is rapidly needed on morbidity burden across all endemic countries. The purpose of this study was to develop and test an SMS tool (MeasureSMS) which enables trained community-based health workers to report basic information on all cases they identified. Read More

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015 Jun 15;109(6):357-9. Epub 2015 Mar 15.

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.

Concerted efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis worldwide have registered success; multiple rounds of mass drug administration have led to the interruption of transmission in many previously endemic areas. However, the management of patients with established clinical disease (e.g. Read More

J Trop Med 2015 28;2015:260359. Epub 2015 Jan 28.

Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Background. Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Nepal. This study aimed to investigate health-seeking behaviors and self-care practices of people with filarial Lymphoedema in Nepal. Read More

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2015 Apr 10;109(4):252-61. Epub 2015 Feb 10.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

Background: Hydrocoele surgery is the recommended treatment for the common clinical manifestation of lymphatic filariasis in men. This study determined the geographical differences in surgery accessibility, and improvements in the quality of life of patients in Chikwawa district, Malawi.

Methods: Surgery records from Chikwawa District Hospital (CDH), between 2008 and 2013, were used to map surgery rates by village, spatial dependence by census enumeration area and relationship of distance (kilometres) to CDH. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014 Nov 20;8(11):e3305. Epub 2014 Nov 20.

Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

Lymphatic Filariasis, a Neglected Tropical Disease, is caused by thread-like parasitic worms, including B. malayi, which migrate to the human lymphatic system following transmission. The parasites reside in collecting lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes for years, often resulting in lymphedema, elephantiasis or hydrocele. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014 Nov 20;8(11):e3319. Epub 2014 Nov 20.

Neglected Tropical Disease Support Center, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America; ENVISION Project, RTI International, Washington, D.C., United States of America.

Background: A Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis was launched in 2000, with mass drug administration (MDA) as the core strategy of the programme. After completing 13 years of operations through 2012 and with MDA in place in 55 of 73 endemic countries, the impact of the MDA programme on microfilaraemia, hydrocele and lymphedema is in need of being assessed.

Methodology/principal Findings: During 2000-2012, the MDA programme made remarkable achievements - a total of 6. Read More

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2014 Dec 4;108(12):751-8. Epub 2014 Oct 4.

Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK

Background: Managing lymphatic filariasis (LF) morbidity and reducing disability is one of the two primary goals of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. However, in order to achieve this, the geographical distribution of LF morbidity needs to be better estimated.

Methods: All cases of lymphoedema within a single health centre catchment area (pop. Read More

J Vector Borne Dis 2014 Sep;51(3):188-93

Division of Immunology, Regional Medical Research Center (ICMR), Bhubaneswar, India.

Background & Objectives: Diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis using serum has been established but the utility of hydrocele fluid for the purpose is not exactly known. Since, hydrocele is a chronic form of the disease manifestation in a variety of situations and often poses difficulty in diagnosing its origin, we have evaluated the usefulness usage of hydrocele fluid for diagnosis of filarial origin of hydrocele in this study.

Methods: Paired samples of serum and hydrocele fluid from 51 individuals with hydrocele, living in an endemic area of Wuchereria bancrofti were assessed. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014 Jul 10;8(7):e2893. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.

The nematodes Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia spp. infect over 120 million people worldwide, causing lymphedema, elephantiasis and hydrocele, collectively known as lymphatic filariasis. Most infected individuals appear to be asymptomatic, but many exhibit sub-clinical manifestations including the lymphangiectasia that likely contributes to the development of lymphedema and elephantiasis. Read More

J Community Health 2015 Feb;40(1):34-40

Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, P.O.BOX 1524, Kathmandu, Nepal,

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is among the major public health problems in Nepal. The disease is a major cause of morbidities primarily, lymphedema of legs and hydrocele and it impedes socio economic development in many endemic areas of the country. This study is aimed at exploring the understanding of people about mass drug administration (MDA) of the said disease and the status of compliance of MDA in Nepal. Read More

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 2014 May;45(3):547-55

Forty asymptomatic, circulating filarial antigen negative (CFA(-ve)) and ten asymptomatic, circulating filarial antigen positive (CFA(+ve)) individuals were followed up longitudinally over a period of 14 years at intervals of 7 years in order to investigate the immunological, parasitological and clinical changes that took place in an endemic area due to natural process. The clinical status, microfilaremia, circulating filarial antigenemia and immunological responses to filarial antigens (DSSd1 and Sd30) prepared from cattle filarial parasite Setaria digitata, were examined. The observations showed that 19 individuals had developed either antigenemia or filarial symptoms (acute filarial lymphangitis/hydrocele) from CFA(-ve) group. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2013 Oct 15;6(1):299. Epub 2013 Oct 15.

Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 57, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.

Background: Past case reports and recent data from LF mapping surveys indicate that LF occurs in Zambia, but no studies have been carried out to document its epidemiology and health implications. The present study assessed infection, disease, transmission and human perception aspects of LF in an endemic area of Luangwa District, South-East Zambia, as a background for planning and implementation of control.

Methods: Two neighbouring rural communities were registered and a questionnaire survey undertaken. Read More

Parasite Immunol 2014 Aug;36(8):338-46

NIAID-NIRT-ICER, Chennai, India.

The immune responses to filarial parasites encompass a complex network of innate and adaptive cells whose interaction with the parasite underlies a spectrum of clinical manifestations. The predominant immunological feature of lymphatic filariasis is an antigen-specific Th2 response and an expansion of IL-10 producing CD4(+) T cells that is accompanied by a muted Th1 response. This antigen-specific T-cell hyporesponsiveness appears to be crucial for the maintenance of the sustained, long-standing infection often with high parasite densities. Read More

Parasitol Int 2014 Feb 20;63(1):87-93. Epub 2013 Sep 20.

Filariasis Research Training and Service Unit, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna, P.O. Box 70, Galle, Sri Lanka. Electronic address:

For the declaration of elimination of lymphatic filariasis, reliable epidemiological data in all parts of a country are required. In Sri Lanka, due to social disturbance, there are 3 provinces whose endemicity has been declared unknown. Further, a recent report revealed an endemic pocket, which is on the border with the district that was not covered by the national elimination program. Read More