Elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Gambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti, which causes lymphatic filariasis (LF) in The Gambia was among the highest in Africa in the 1950s. However, surveys conducted in 1975 and 1976 revealed a dramatic decline in LF endemicity in the absence of mass drug administration (MDA). The decline in prevalence was partly attributed to a significant reduction in mosquito density through the widespread use of insecticidal nets. Based on findings elsewhere that vector control alone can interrupt LF, we asked the question in 2013 whether the rapid scale up in the use of insecticidal nets in The Gambia had interrupted LF transmission.

Methodology/principal finding

We present here the results of three independently designed filariasis surveys conducted over a period of 17 years

SUBMITTER: Rebollo MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4364952 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature