Lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines

Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi is en demic throughout most of the southern half of the Philippine archipelago. E conomic and manpower shortages prior to 1996 made it difficult to acquire n ew prevalence data and vector control data concurrently from all provinces. Nevertheless, analysis of cumulative prevalence data on filariasis indicat es the persistence of filariasis in each of the three major island groups - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao - including 45 out of 77 provinces. Here, Mich ael Kron and colleagues summarize the prevalence data, and review host, par asite and vector characteristics relevant to the design and implementation of disease control initiatives in the Philippines planned for the year 2000 .