Community-wide distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets can halt transmission of lymphatic filariasis in southeastern Nigeria.
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in rural southeastern Nigeria is transmitted mainly by Anopheles spp. mosquitoes. Potential coinfection with Loa loa in this area has prevented use of ivermectin in the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy for LF elimination because of potential severe adverse L. loa-related reactions. This study determined if long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution programs for malaria would interrupt LF transmission in such areas, without need for MDA. Monthly entomologic monitoring was conducted in sentinel villages before and after LLIN distribution to all households and all age groups (full coverage) in two districts, and to pregnant women and children less than five years of age in the other two districts. No change in human LF microfilaremia prevalence was observed, but mosquito studies showed a statistically significant decrease in LF infection and infectivity with full-coverage LLIN distribution. We conclude that LF transmission can be halted in southeastern Nigeria by full-coverage LLIN distribution, without MDA.
Malaria, River Blindness, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Schistosomiasis Programs, The Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA. frich01@emory.edu
Frank O
FO
Richards
Emmanuel
E
Emukah
Patricia M
PM
Graves
Omeni
O
Nkwocha
Lawrence
L
Nwankwo
Lindsay
L
Rakers
Aryc
A
Mosher
Amy
A
Patterson
Masayo
M
Ozaki
Bertram E B
BE
Nwoke
Chinyere N
CN
Ukaga
Chidiebere
C
Njoku
Kenrick
K
Nwodu
Andrew
A
Obasi
Emmanuel S
ES
Miri
D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000469:parasitology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057148:Insecticide-Treated Bednets; D007306:Insecticides; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D012424:Rural Population
D007306:Insecticides; D007559:Ivermectin