Jo. Gyapong, Impact of single-dose ivermectin on community microfilaria load in bancroftian filariasis infection: two years post treatment, T RS TROP M, 94(4), 2000, pp. 434-436
Citations number
9
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
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.