Seroprevalence of lymphatic filariasis at Puducherry

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis is a major vector borne disease prevalent in the tropics. This study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence of lymphatic filariasis in and around Puducherry using indirect haemaggulutination test. Of the 5056 clinically suspected cases, 2214 (43.78%) were found to be positive, of whom majority were males (57.8%) belonging to the age group of 21-40 years, indicating that lymphatic filariasis mainly affects the adolescents and adults mainly. This high seroprevalence is a matter of immediate concern and necessary control programme is urgently required to check the transmission of filariasis. © 2010 Indian Society for Parasitology.