Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
08:38
A Strategy for the Study of IL-9-Producing Lymphoid Cells in the Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Infection Model
Published on: March 3, 2023
Eliminating lymphatic filariasis: a view from the field
Thomas Streit1, Jack Guy Lafontant
1Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0369, USA. tstreit@nd.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 27, 2008
Summary
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a disabling poverty-associated infection affecting millions globally. Despite challenges in impoverished areas, LF is now considered eliminable through mass drug distribution and improved morbidity control.
Area of Science:
- Global health
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a significant cause of lifelong disability and economic burden, disproportionately affecting impoverished communities.
- Despite affecting 120-130 million people in 83 countries, LF's transmission is inefficient, yet it remains linked to extreme poverty.
- LF pathology, such as lymphedema and hydrocele, is less common than infection prevalence, highlighting a need for better diagnostics and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress toward the global elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
- To identify remaining challenges in LF elimination, particularly in the poorest endemic settings.
- To examine LF elimination efforts from the perspective of Haiti, a least developed country in the Americas.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature and control strategies for lymphatic filariasis.
- Analysis of diagnostic tool advancements and mass drug administration programs.
- Case study perspective from Haiti, focusing on obstacles in least developed countries.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic filariasis is considered eliminable due to scientific advances and large-scale drug donation programs.
- Progress in LF elimination faces obstacles in the most challenging, impoverished endemic settings.
- Haiti presents a unique perspective as the only least developed country in the Americas facing LF challenges.
Conclusions:
- Continued progress in global LF elimination requires addressing challenges in the poorest endemic regions.
- Integrated approaches combining mass drug distribution and morbidity control are crucial for LF elimination.
- Focusing on the specific context of countries like Haiti is essential for overcoming LF elimination hurdles.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
01:15Anthelminthic Agents
Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...