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The endemic normal in lymphatic filariasis: A static concept
1Department of Biology, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BB, UK.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Naturally acquired resistance to lymphatic filariasis may occur in adults living in endemic areas. This review examines epidemiological approaches to demonstrate protective immunity against bancroftian filariasis in Papua New Guinea.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-transmitted parasitic disease prevalent in endemic areas.
- Constant exposure to infective larvae (L3) can lead to adult worm establishment and microfilarial (mf) production.
- Understanding naturally acquired resistance is crucial for developing effective vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological approaches for demonstrating acquired resistance to filariasis in human populations.
- To examine these approaches within an immunoepidemiological study of bancroftian filariasis in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
- To discuss the merits of each approach as a framework for studying protective immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological strategies.
- Analysis of an immunoepidemiological study conducted in PNG.
- Discussion of conceptual frameworks for assessing protective immunity.
Main Results:
- Two primary epidemiological approaches exist for demonstrating acquired resistance to filariasis.
- The study in PNG provides a context for evaluating these approaches.
- The merits of each approach for understanding protective immunity are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Naturally acquired resistance in adult residents of endemic areas is a significant area of research.
- Evaluating epidemiological approaches is key to advancing vaccine development for lymphatic filariasis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate mechanisms of protective immunity.
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