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Rapid assessment procedures (RAP) for lymphatic filariasis
S P Pani1, A Srividya, K Krishnamoorthy
1Vector Control Research Centre, Pondicherry, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Vector infection rates can rapidly assess human filariasis prevalence. Community screening for filariasis can be targeted to specific age groups, and hydrocele prevalence can predict overall disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Tropical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Filariasis control requires effective mapping and burden quantification.
- Current assessment methods are slow, expensive, and lack sensitivity.
- Development of rapid assessment procedures is crucial for effective control programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop rapid assessment procedures for filariasis.
- To identify reliable indicators for infection and disease prevalence.
- To optimize community screening and clinical survey strategies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epidemiological data from 25 global study sites.
- Quantitative analysis of the relationship between human and vector infection rates.
- Qualitative analysis of infection/disease prevalence concerning age, gender, and manifestation.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation exists between vector infection rates and human infection prevalence.
- Community screening for infection can be focused on ages 11-30.
- Disease prevalence assessment can be targeted to males aged 20-50 by examining hydrocele prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Vector infection rate serves as a reliable indicator for rapid assessment of human filariasis.
- Blood smear examinations can be limited to the 11-30 age group for infection assessment.
- Hydrocele prevalence in males aged 20-50 is sufficient for rapid disease burden surveys.