Lymphatic filariasis in East District, Sikkim

East district of Sikkim has been considered as non-endemic for lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, a LF survey conducted during 2008 revealed microfilaria rate (mf rate) of 1.2%. The LF survey was carried out in 15 randomly selected villages and urban localities of East Sikkim. Out of 3,428 night blood smears collected and examined, 42 were found positive for Wuchereria bancrofti. Microfilaria (mf) carriers were detected from 5 surveyed villages and 5 urban localities of Singtam and Rangpoo with mf rate ranging from 0.5% to 4.2%. The mean mf density was 5.4 per 20cmm3 blood. All mf carriers were residents of east district, Sikkim except two persons who were from Bihar. The detection of microfilaria in young children who had never moved from the area indicates probable indigenous transmission. Out of 15 surveyed areas LF disease was found in 11 areas with prevalence ranging from 0.4% to 7.0%.(Disease rate was 1.6%) (1.7% for Males & 1.4% for females). One local individual was found with lymphoedema and also mf positive. Vector density ranged from 70 to 435 per ten-man-hours, sufficient for transmission of LF. 712 female Cx. quinquefasciatus were dissected to detect the filarial infection and none was found positive. The present survey findings indicate endemicity of filariasis in East district of Sikkim.