Endpoints for Lymphatic Filariasis Programs

Abstract

In 2000, annual mass administration of diethlycarbamazine and albendazole began in Leogane Commune, Haiti, to interrupt transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF). After 5 years of treatment, microfilaremia, antigenemia, and mosquito infection rates were significantly reduced, but LF transmission was not interrupted. These finding have implications for other LF elimination programs.

Keywords

• lymphatic filariasis
• mass drug administration
• elimination
• microfilaremia
• Wuchereria bancrofti
• diethylcarbamazine (DEC)