Neglected Tropical Diseases: Distribution and Treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a disabling and disfiguring vector-borne parasitic disease. It is widespread and a major public health problem in many developing countries with warm and humid climates and it is one of the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).

Common clinical manifestations of LF are elephantiasis, hydrocele, and acute filarial fever, which often cause considerable inability in affected individuals. This results in loss of income and social and psychological stress. Research in recent years has increased knowledge of LF extensive geographical distribution and its disabling effects on victims, and LF has been recognized as a leading course of long-term disability in the world. Lymphatic filariasis is a burden to the endemic communities and their health systems.

There are different ways to control LF infection and to reduce the public health burden. The main strategy is the treatment of populations with anti-filarial drugs and vector control. The treatment with anti-filarial drugs has become the mainstay of lymphatic filariasis control.

In this article collection, we aim at covering the epidemiology of the disease (distribution, mapping, and other programme interventions), prevalence, clinical symptoms, and various control strategies, as well as outlines of the various stages of LF programme assessments such as, Pre-Transmission Assessment Survey (Pre Tas), Transmission Assessment Surveys (Tas), Post Mass administration of medicine (MAM) surveillance and validation.

We welcome the submissions of Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Brief Research Report, and Case Report articles.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Distribution, Clinical Symptoms, Hydrocele Xenomonitoring

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