Adherence to Hygiene Protocols and Doxycycline Therapy in Ameliorating Lymphatic Filariasis Morbidity in an Endemic Area Post-Interruption of Disease Transmission in Ghana.

ABSTRACT: Filarial lymphedema (LE) remains a significant global problem despite the progress made toward elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF). In Ghana, the main approach to LF is preventive chemotherapy, but this has minimal impact on individuals who have already developed LE. In 2018-2020, a 24-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of stringent hygiene measures using the Essential Package of Care with or without additional administration of doxycycline (DOX) to improve filarial leg LE. This study enrolled 356 participants with LE stages 1-3 from two districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana. In addition to regular training on appropriate care for their affected legs, participants were randomized to receive 6 weeks of either 200 mg/day

SUBMITTER: Debrah LB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11448491 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature