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[Lymphatic filariasis: a potentially eradicable disease]
1Departamento de Parasitologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, 50670-420, Brasil.
Cadernos De Saude Publica
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Single-dose ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine can suppress lymphatic filariasis-causing parasites for up to two years. This breakthrough offers hope for eradicating lymphatic filariasis through mass drug administration programs.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi, is a major public health concern.
- Recent advances in chemotherapy offer new possibilities for disease control and eradication.
- Mass drug administration strategies are being implemented in endemic areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available anti-filarial drugs for human use.
- To discuss the efficacy and tolerance of these drugs.
- To highlight their potential role in lymphatic filariasis eradication programs.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on anti-filarial drugs.
- Analysis of drug efficacy and safety data.
- Assessment of current mass treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Single-dose ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine demonstrate profound suppression of microfilaremia for extended periods (6 months to 2 years).
- Combination therapy also shows significant efficacy.
- These drugs are crucial tools for potential lymphatic filariasis eradication.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic filariasis is a target for eradication due to effective new chemotherapeutic tools.
- Mass treatment programs utilizing ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine are key to interrupting transmission.
- Further research and implementation of these strategies are essential for global elimination efforts.