Lymphatic Filariasis. A regional workshop was conducted on TAS to train the countries on the use of the new LF diagnostic test approved by WHO (FST), as well as on the proposed methodology for monitoring STH within TAS for LF; - A joint technical cooperation mission with the PAHO Malaria regional program to evaluate data collection and reporting of the LF program in region IV and VIII was held in Guyana. A plan of action was defined with data from the national health One full time STP P3 professional position (5 months) Brazil, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Guyana, Honduras, Suriname LF: Notre Dame University, IMA World Health, Eisai, GSK, GAELF, CDC Lymphatic filariasis: Brazil, Dominican Republic and Haiti could be eligible to stop MDA in all their implementation units (IU) by 2017 and start the post-treatment surveillance phase through 2021. The PMM and RPRG was held on 29-30 June 2015 in Brazil. The RPRG made recommendations to TAS results of seven evaluation units (EUs) submitted by Brazil and to other countries; Schistosomiasis: a) Six out of ten SCH endemic countries and territories may have eliminated transmission and the NID regional program is supporting them to compile evidence to support a possible process for verification of elimination; a) PAHO is working to identify ways to build capacities at local level to accelerate actions towards the interruption of transmission of LF in Guyana. Some of the recommendations from the joint mission were: 1) the need to improve the timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of the LF MDA data report; 2) the need to sustain and scale LF MDA activities, 3) assess the burden of LF morbidity and scale up the access to quality health services. b) Surveillance and M&E in low endemic countries is critical to follow up and sustain the achievements; and strengthening of local capacities. c) Integrated MMDP needs to be a greater part of the regional agenda for elimination and post Steps Deliverables/ Products Beneficiary Countries Partner Institutions Major Accomplishments Problems and Solutions authorities, including a resource mobilization plan; - The weekly epidemiological record on LF was published in September 2015. Schistosomiasis: - A report of the systematic review on prevalence and intensity of infection of SCH in the region of the Americas 1942-2014 was completed and the results are available on PAHO's website. A manuscript has been submitted for scientific publication. A scientific communication highlighting the importanc...
Lymphatic Filariasis. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is one of the world’s oldest and most debilitating parasitic diseases. Evidence of its presence is seen in historical artifacts, including an ancient Egyptian statue of Pharaoh Mentuhotep II depicting swollen limbs (2000 BCE), statuettes from West Africa that depict scrotal swelling (500 AD), and ancient medical writings by Arabian, Chinese, Greek, Indian, Roman, and Persian physicians [13]. It is a mosquito-borne neglected tropical disease (NTD) that affects approximately 120 million persons globally and is a leading cause of disability worldwide [14]. LF is caused by infection by three filarial parasites: Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for approximately 90% of infections worldwide, and Brugia malayi and Brugia timori, which are responsible for the remaining minority of cases [5]. Humans are the only known reservoir for W. bancrofti and transmission occurs person-to-person via a mosquito vector. Several species of mosquito can be infected by W. bancrofti, though in Hispaniola, LF is spread by Culex quinquefaciatus, a night-biting mosquito that breeds profusely in areas with standing water [15]. LF, or filaryoz as it is referred to locally in Haiti, has historically been considered a rural disease, with sugarcane fields providing ideal breeding grounds [9]. However, rapid urbanization around Haiti’s crowded metropolitan centers which have inadequate sanitary and sewage facilities has fostered an environment where Culex mosquitos can thrive and proliferate. After entering the bloodstream through a mosquito bite, the juvenile worms, known as microfilaria (MF), travel to the lymph nodes, primarily in the lower limbs and male genitalia, where they mature for 6-9 months [16]. After reaching sexual maturity, the adult worms mate and release thousands of MF, which then migrate to the peripheral circulatory system. Once in the circulating bloodstream, MF can be ingested by the mosquito vector, and the cycle begins anew. Unlike malaria, a single bite from an infected mosquito will not typically result in LF. A full, persistent LF infection requires a sufficiently high filarial load which can only be delivered by many bites over time.
Lymphatic Filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) characterized by symptoms of swelling, lymphedema, and ultimately elephantiasis of the limbs. The disease affects over 120 million people throughout the world with over 1.3 billion at risk [1]. LF is caused by 3 different strains of parasitic nematode worms (roundworms), Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori [2], which are spread by several species of mosquitoes. These thread-like worms reside in the lymphatic vessels of humans, causing severe and permanent lymphatic damage. This damage results in disability, stigma, and loss of economic productivity. Currently, there is no cure for lymphatic filariasis. The focus is instead on prevention and morbidity management.
Lymphatic Filariasis. Epidemiology Lymphoedema in the tropics can have several causes, but is usually caused by inflammation and consequently adenitis due to bacteria, fungi or minerals. Secondary lymphoedema due to filariasis has a high prevalence and is considered by many the most prevalent cause. In Africa Wuchereria bancrofti, a parasitic worm infection transmitted by mosquitoes, is responsible for the majority of cases of lymphatic filariasis. Out of the 120 million infected patients worldwide 40 million develop clinical symptoms.1-3
