USAID's NTD Program

Lymphatic Filariasis

Prevention, Control, and Elimination

Studies have demonstrated that transmission of the infection can be broken when a single dose of combined oral medicines is consistently maintained annually for approximately seven years. Currently, available drugs for preventive chemotherapy to eliminate LF include DEC, albendazole (donated by Glaxo SmithKline), and ivermectine (donated by Merck&Co).

The current strategy of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis is based on mass treatment with a single annual dose of DEC plus albendazole or albendazole plus ivermectine for areas where onchocerciasis is also endemic (DEC not recommended because of possible reduction in visual acuity in onchocerciasis-infected persons); the treatment is administered for about seven years. To date, tremendous results have been achieved in many countries in the interruption of disease transmission.¹

The strategy of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis is being refined and guided by ongoing research to understand the ecology and transmission efficiency of diverse mosquito vector species and efficacy of various drug regimens combined with insecticide-impregnated nets used in malaria control programs.²

Learn more about lymphatic filariasis:

• Epidemiology
• Life Cycle
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Back to Lymphatic Filariasis Overview

 

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References

1. Molineux D: Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) elimination: A public health success and development opportunity. Filaria J 2:13, 2003.
2. Soremekun S, Maxwell C, Zuwakuu M, et al: Measuring the efficacy of insecticide treated bednets: The use of DNA fingerprinting to increase the accuracy of personal protection estimates in Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 9:664-672, 2004.