Impact of single-dose ivermectin on community microfilaria load in bancroftian filariasis infection: two years post treatment

The concept of annual single-dose treatment for the control and possible in terruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis has brought much hope to the previously hopeless disease. The logistics for implementing this enorm ous public health intervention have wide ramifications and will depend on t he efficiency of drug delivery and distribution at various levels of the he alth system. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the public health services are in adequate, this becomes even more important. Six communities in southern Gha na known to be endemic for filariasis were treated with single-dose ivermec tin in January/February 1997 as part of pilot programme activities. The 199 8 treatment could not take place because of unavailability of the drug. The 1999 community microfilaraemia prevalence and intensity were reduced by on ly 25.5% and 39.5% of pre-treatment levels, respectively. The implications of any shortfalls on the drug delivery system on the goal of elimination of lymphatic filariasis are discussed.