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Int Med Case Rep J 2022 30;15:135-139. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Department of Microbiology, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences Lucknow, Lucknow, UP, India.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis leading to the passage of white urine or chyle is a rare manifestation in children. Filarial parasite infiltration leading to abnormal lymphatic-urinary communication occurs with prolonged infection. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 20 yrs. Read More

J Vector Borne Dis 2021 Jul-Sep;58(3):240-245

Centro Universitário do Estado do Pará, Av. Almirante Barroso, 3775 - Souza - 66013-903 - Belém, Pará, Brazil.

Background & Objectives: For decades, the city of Belém in Brazil's eastern Amazon was the second city in the country with highest prevalence of cases of filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti infection. However, this prevalence decreased over time until reaching null records, concomitantly with a decrease in frequency of recorded hydrocele cases. In this context, we analyzed cross-sectional data to evaluate the degree of correlation between prevalence of positive blood microfilariae results during surveillance screening occurred along 54 years (1951-2005) and prevalence of hydrocele cases recorded in the same time period. Read More

PLoS One 2022 19;17(1):e0262693. Epub 2022 Jan 19.

Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) affects more than 120 million people globally. In Tanzania, nearly six million people are estimated to live with clinical manifestations of the disease. The National LF control program was established in 2000 using Mass drug administration (MDA) of Ivermectin and Albendazole to individuals aged 5years and above. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 12 28;19(1). Epub 2021 Dec 28.

Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife 50670-420, Brazil.

The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is a program that aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2030. The GPELF strategy is based on interrupting transmission using mass drug administration (MDA) and, in parallel, managing morbidity cases. However, it has been seen that there is a shortage of research in the literature and public policies regarding this last pillar. Read More

Int J Health Policy Manag 2022 Jan 1;11(1):80-89. Epub 2022 Jan 1.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.

Background: Surgery for hydrocele is commonly promoted as part of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services for lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, uptake of these surgeries has been suboptimal owing to several community level barriers that have triggered mistrust in such services. This study aimed at documenting mechanisms of unlocking trust in community health systems (CHSs) in the context of a LF hydrocele management project that was implemented in Luangwa District, Zambia. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021 10 25;15(10):e0009403. Epub 2021 Oct 25.

RTI International, Washington DC, United States of America.

Background: Ethiopia aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2020, through a dual approach of mass drug administration to interrupt transmission and morbidity control which includes making hydrocele surgery available in all endemic areas. Locating patients requiring surgery, providing high quality surgeries, and following up patients are all formidable challenges for many resource-challenged or difficult-to-reach communities. To date, hydrocele surgery in Ethiopia has only occurred when a patient has the knowledge, time and resources to travel to regional hospitals. Read More

Lymphat Res Biol 2022 06 6;20(3):319-324. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Society for Administration of Telemedicine and Healthcare Informatics, New Delhi, India.

Anecdotal evidence collected by a community organization suggested high prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. Village volunteers subsequently conducted a line listing in 13 villages of Pisawan block and recorded 261 cases of known LF complications, namely hydrocele and lymphedema. This being far higher than official projections, a block-wide cluster survey was conducted to estimate the disease burden more accurately. Read More

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2022 Jan 31;41(1):133-135. Epub 2021 Jul 31.

Infectious Diseases Department, CHR Citadelle Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium.

We hereby describe the case of a giant scrotal elephantiasis due to infection by Wuchereria bancrofti, imported in Belgium. We briefly discuss diagnostic methods, their subtlety, and therapeutic possibilities. Read More

Ann Saudi Med 2021 May-Jun;41(3):186-189. Epub 2021 Jun 1.

From the Department of Surgery Pietro Valdoni, Umberto I Policlinico, Roma, Italy.

At least 27 million men present with urogenital manifestations of genital filariasis (GF). Although there is a large burden of GF in residents in endemic regions, infection in short-term travellers and in non-endemic areas is rare. We report the case of a 75-year-old Italian man referred to our institution for a testicular discomfort. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2021 May 7;10(1):64. Epub 2021 May 7.

AIM Initiative-American Leprosy Missions, Greenville, SC, USA.

Background: The Upper West region of Ghana is mostly made up of rural communities and is highly endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF), with a significant burden of disability due to lymphedema and hydrocele. The aim of this paper is to describe an enhanced, evidence-based cascading training program for integrated lymphedema management in this region, and to present some initial outcomes.

Main Text: A baseline evaluation in the Upper West Region was carried out in 2019. Read More

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2020 Jul;33(1):81-83

Jiangxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanchang 330029, China.

Objective: To understand the status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangxi Province in 2018, so as to provide insights into the follow-up care of the patients.

Methods: In 2018, a case follow-up study was conducted in all registered patients with chronic filariasis in previously endemic areas of Jiangxi Province, and a clue investigation was done for identifying the missing patients. In addition, the data of caring sites for chronic filarisis patients were collected and analyzed in the province. Read More

PLoS One 2021 26;16(2):e0244664. Epub 2021 Feb 26.

Postgraduate Program of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Background: Hydrocele is a chronic condition in males in which there is an excessive collection of straw-colored fluid, which leads to enlargement of the scrotum. It is a common manifestation of lymphatic filariasis (LF) affecting nearly 25 million men worldwide. Surgery is the recommended treatment for hydrocele and is available free of cost in all government hospitals in Nepal. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021 02 22;15(2):e0009075. Epub 2021 Feb 22.

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Zambia Lusaka, Zambia.

Background: Morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services are essential for the management of chronic stages of lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection. However, there is limited information on health beliefs and health seeking behavior towards MMDP services for LF in endemic regions of Zambia. This study sought to document health beliefs and health seeking behavior towards MMDP services for LF in Luangwa District, Zambia. Read More

Parasitol Res 2021 Dec 6;120(12):4125-4143. Epub 2021 Feb 6.

Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

Filariae are vector-borne parasitic nematodes that are endemic worldwide, in tropical and subtropical regions. Important human filariae spp. include Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia spp. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2021 Jan 22;14(1):72. Epub 2021 Jan 22.

College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Division of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

Background: Myanmar commenced a lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination programme in 2000. Whilst the country has made considerable progress since then, a number of districts have demonstrated persistent transmission after many rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). The causes of unsuccessful MDA have been examined elsewhere; however, there remains little information on the factors that contribute in Myanmar. Read More

Int Health 2020 12;13(Suppl 1):S48-S54

African Filariasis Morbidity Project, Korle BU, Accra, Ghana.

Clinical lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a debilitating, disfiguring medical condition with severe psychosocial consequences for patients and their families. Addressing these patients' medical needs is a major component of the global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF). In the 20 y of providing a minimal package of care many thousands of surgical operations to correct LF hydrocoeles been performed and national programmes in >90% of LF endemic countries have received the training needed to care for their patients. Read More

Int Health 2020 12;13(Suppl 1):S17-S21

Depa rtment of Communicable Diseases, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi 110002, India.

Background: The South-East Asia regional programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) was launched in 2000. This study presents the progress and impact of the programme in the region.

Methods: Mass drug administration (MDA) and morbidity management data were accessed from the WHO preventive chemotherapy databank. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020 11 12;14(11):e0008839. Epub 2020 Nov 12.

Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Kumasi, Ghana.

Morbidity burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF) relies on the information from the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme where Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) passively report cases identified. Consequently, the exact prevalence of morbidity cases is not always accurate. The use of mobile phone technology to report morbidity cases was piloted in Ghana using a text-based short messaging service (SMS) tool by CHVs. Read More

Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020 Nov 23;11:e00183. Epub 2020 Sep 23.

Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.

The prevalence of and infections in an under-surveyed area of Bengo Province, Angola, was determined by surveying 22 communities with a combination of clinical, serological and DNA diagnostics. Additional information was collected on participants' duration of residency, access to mass drug administration, knowledge of insect vectors and use of bednets. A total of 1616 individuals (38. Read More

Acta Trop 2020 Dec 20;212:105676. Epub 2020 Aug 20.

National Nutrition Institute, General Organization for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes Cairo, Egypt.. Electronic address:

In 2000, Yemen joined the WHO global efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem by initiating a National LF Elimination Programme (NLFEP), that was fully integrated with the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP), the Ministry of Public Health and Population. This article reviews the NLFEP extensive efforts and interventions to eliminate LF in Yemen. LF mapping was started in 2000, followed by five annual rounds of mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin and albendazole in 8 implementation units (IUs) during 2002-2006. Read More

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020 12 13;20(12):875-881. Epub 2020 Aug 13.

Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, China.

China used to be one of the most heavily endemic countries for lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the world. Bancroftian filariasis, which is caused by the filarioid nematode , is the only filariasis in Shandong Province. A total of 864 endemic counties (cities) in 16 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities with a total population of 330 million people were at risk of infection. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 May 21;9(5). Epub 2020 May 21.

Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease targeted for elimination as public health problem through morbidity management and preventive annual mass drug administration (MDA). This cross-sectional community-based surveillance assessed the prevalence and correlates of LF infection in Mkinga district, Tanga-region, Tanzania. A total of 4115 individuals (49. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020 05 8;14(5):e0008314. Epub 2020 May 8.

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

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne parasitic infection that causes significant disabling and disfiguring clinical manifestations. Hydrocoele (scrotal swelling) is the most common clinical condition, which affects an estimated 25 million men globally. The recommended strategy is surgical intervention, yet little is known about the impact of hydrocoele on men's lives, and how it may change if they have access to surgery. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020 03 25;14(3):e0008003. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

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

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in 72 countries of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. An estimated 25 million men live with the disabling effects of filarial hydrocele. Hydrocele can be corrected with surgery with few complications. Read More

Protein Pept Lett 2020 ;27(9):841-850

King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is one of the incapacitating and mosquito-borne sicknesses that on progression may prompt a few recognizable types of clutters like extreme lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis.

Methods: Antigenic preparations of B. malayi adult (BmA), S. Read More

Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2019 Nov;31(6):673-675

Huai'an Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province, Huai'an 223001, China.

Objective: To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Huai'an City, so as to provide insights into the future care of chronic filariasis patients.

Methods: According to the data pertaining to the historically registered chronic filariasis patients in Huai 'an City, each case was followed up and the baseline data of chronic filariasis patients were captured using questionnaire survey. The demographic and clinical features of the patients, and the distribution and coverage of the care sites were analyzed. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2020 Jan 6;13(1). Epub 2020 Jan 6.

Urology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Curr Drug Targets 2020 ;21(7):657-680

Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Background And Objectives: Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infection with filarial worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Globally, 120 million people are infected, with nearly 40 million people disfigured and disabled by complications such as severe swelling of the legs (elephantiasis) or scrotum (hydrocele). Current treatments (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine) have limited effects on adult parasites and produce side effects; therefore, there is an urgent to search for new antifilarial agents. Read More