DIETHYLCARBAMAZINE SALT IN THE CONTROL OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS

Where lymphatic filariasis has diminished since about the 1950s, it ha s most frequently, though not always, been a direct result of chemothe rapeutic intervention against the parasite. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), a well-established drug, has been the single agent of chemotherapeutic control and has been successful in a wide variety of regimens. This p aper reviews the experience with one strategy: long-term, low-dose tre atment through DEC-medicated common salt. Diethylcarbamazine-medicated salt played a major role in the Chinese filariasis control program an d has been successful in more limited trials in India, Brazil, and Tan zania. It is not being used today in any endemic area, but the evidenc e suggests that it is safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Eno ugh is already known about the beneficial effects of DEC-medicated sal t from community-wide studies to develop specific guidelines for its u se in community programs.