Lymphatic filariasis: Current status of elimination using chemotherapy and the need for a vaccine

Abstract

During the last one decade, the whole world witnessed one of the most coordinated efforts toward global elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical parasitic infection that affects 120 million people living in 72 different tropical countries. The approach was to use annual mass drug administration (MDA) using a combination of two chemotherapeutic agents to clear circulating parasites (microfilaria) in infected individuals living in various endemic regions of the world. This approach substantially decreased the incidence of infection in almost all the countries where the program was initiated. However, the biggest challenge now is to sustain the success and attain prophylaxis. This can be achieved only by newer chemotherapeutic agents against adult worms and an effective vaccine that can prevent future infections. This chapter summarizes the current status of LF elimination and the need for a more stringent and sustainable approach to control LF infection in endemic regions.