PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases (Jan 2013)

Long-lasting insecticidal nets are synergistic with mass drug administration for interruption of lymphatic filariasis transmission in Nigeria.

  • Abel Eigege,
  • Alphonsus Kal,
  • Emmanuel Miri,
  • Adamu Sallau,
  • John Umaru,
  • Hayward Mafuyai,
  • Yohanna S Chuwang,
  • Goshit Danjuma,
  • Jacob Danboyi,
  • Solomon E Adelamo,
  • Bulus S Mancha,
  • Bridget Okoeguale,
  • Amy E Patterson,
  • Lindsay Rakers,
  • Frank O Richards

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0002508
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 10
p. e2508

Abstract

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In central Nigeria Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria and lymphatic filariasis (LF). The strategy used for interrupting LF transmission in this area is annual mass drug administration (MDA) with albendazole and ivermectin, but after 8 years of MDA, entomological evaluations in sentinel villages showed continued low-grade mosquito infection rates of 0.32%. After long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution by the national malaria program in late 2010, however, we were no longer able to detect infected vectors over a 24-month period. This is evidence that LLINs are synergistic with MDA in interrupting LF transmission.