USAID's NTD Program

Lymphatic Filariasis

Treatment

Asymptomatic LF
In areas where onchocerciasis is not co-endemic, an annual single dose of DEC (6mg/kg) alone or in combination with ivermectine (400μg/kg) or albendazole (400mg/kg) may be as effective in lowering the level of microfilaremia as a complete course of 10 to 14 days of 6mg/kg/day DEC for a total dose of 72mg/kg body weight.^{1, 2} Ivermectine in combination with albendazole is the regiment in areas where LF is co-endemic with onchocerciasis.

Acute Adenolymphangitis
Where there is no coexistence of onchocerciasis, the currently recommended treatment is a course of DEC given along with analgesics. Otherwise, the regimen consists of albendazole plus ivermectine. Secondary bacterial infection should be taken care of by proper cleansing and administration of appropriate antibiotics (based on microbiology tests).
Chronic disabilities management (hydroceles and elephantiasis)
While drainage of hydroceles provides immediate relief, surgical removal of the tunica albuginea is the treatment of choice for hydroceles.
In severe cases of deforming elephantiasis, surgical approaches have been moderately successful. Hence, it is important that the occurrence of secondary infections be kept to a minimum by practicing appropriate hygiene and prompt treatment of infections that often occur.

Additional Resources

Preventive Chemotherapy in Human Helminthiasis – October 2006 [PDF, 1.6MB]
This WHO manual provides guidance on coordinating implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) for Hookworm as well as the other NTDs targeted by MDA.

Learn more about lymphatic filariasis:

References

Horton J, Witt C, Ottesen EA, et al: An analysis of the safety of the single dose, two drug regimens used in programs to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Parasitology 121 (Suppl):S147-S160, 2000.
Addiss D, Critchley J, Ejere H, et al: Albendazole for lymphatic filariasis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev CD003753, 2004.