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Updated: Jun 9, 2026
07:36
Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting
Published on: May 1, 2015
Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis
Mark J Taylor1, Achim Hoerauf, Moses Bockarie
1Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK. mark.taylor@liv.ac.uk
Lancet (London, England)
|August 27, 2010
Summary
Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are tropical parasitic diseases impacting public health. Doxycycline and other drugs, targeting the symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria, show promise in treating these debilitating helminth infections.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are major tropical parasitic diseases caused by filarial nematodes.
- These infections lead to chronic conditions like lymphoedema, elephantiasis, skin disease, and blindness.
- Filarial nematodes rely on symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria for survival and pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis and treatment of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
- To highlight the role of Wolbachia bacteria in disease and as a therapeutic target.
- To discuss current drug treatments and global control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on filarial diseases and their treatment.
- Analysis of the role of Wolbachia endosymbionts in nematode biology and pathogenesis.
- Summary of current drug therapies including doxycycline, diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and albendazole.
Main Results:
- Wolbachia bacteria are essential for filarial nematode survival and contribute to inflammatory pathology.
- Doxycycline therapy targets Wolbachia, demonstrating macrofilaricidal activity and improving outcomes.
- Combination therapies with diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and albendazole are used to reduce microfilariae.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia-targeted therapy, particularly with doxycycline, offers a promising approach for treating lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
- Sustained drug delivery through global programs is crucial for interrupting transmission and eliminating these diseases.
- Integrated treatment strategies are essential for managing the public health burden of these neglected tropical diseases.
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