The impact of a filariasis control program on Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Annual mass drug administration (MDA) over five years is the WHO's recommended strategy to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). Some experts, however, consider that longer periods of treatment might be necessary in certain high prevalence and transmission environments based upon past unsuccessful field experience and modelling.

Methodology/principal findings

To evaluate predictors of success in a LF control program we conducted an ecological study during a pre-existing MDA program. We studied 27 villages in Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea, from two areas with different infection rates before MDA. We undertook surveys to collect information on variables potentially having an influence on the outcome of the program, including epidemiological (baseline prevalence of i

SUBMITTER: Mitja O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3160343 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature