Lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, remains a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. Recent advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment have contributed to a better understanding and control of this debilitating disease. This topic aims to collect the most recent studies into LF, and how they will impact the field going forward.
Epidemiology: Lymphatic filariasis continues to affect millions of people worldwide. As of September 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 800 million people were at risk of LF infection, with approximately 120 million individuals currently affected by the disease. However, ongoing efforts to interrupt transmission through mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns have yielded promising results in several endemic areas. These campaigns have led to a significant reduction in the number of new cases and are key components of LF control programs.
Diagnosis: In recent years, there have been notable advancements in LF diagnosis. Traditional methods, such as microscopic examination of blood for the presence of microfilariae, have been supplemented by more sensitive and specific molecular techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting specific filarial antigens have enhanced the accuracy of LF diagnosis. These advancements have improved our ability to detect infections, especially in areas with low transmission rates or in the post-MDA phase.
Treatment: The treatment of lymphatic filariasis is a crucial aspect of the overall control strategy. The primary approach involves mass drug administration (MDA) of antifilarial drugs to entire at-risk populations. The two main drug regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for MDA are a combination of ivermectin and albendazole or diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole. Challenges such as ensuring high treatment coverage and addressing drug-related side effects persist. Ongoing research is focused on optimizing drug regimens, improving treatment accessibility, and exploring complementary interventions to enhance the effectiveness of LF elimination programs.
This research topic aims to collect a wide range of articles on the areas above. We will accept all article types permissible in Frontiers in Parasitology submission guidelines.
Keywords:
Microfilariae, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), Filarial antigens, Mosquito-borne
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by filarial parasites transmitted through mosquito bites, remains a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. Recent advances in epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment have contributed to a better understanding and control of this debilitating disease. This topic aims to collect the most recent studies into LF, and how they will impact the field going forward.
Epidemiology: Lymphatic filariasis continues to affect millions of people worldwide. As of September 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 800 million people were at risk of LF infection, with approximately 120 million individuals currently affected by the disease. However, ongoing efforts to interrupt transmission through mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns have yielded promising results in several endemic areas. These campaigns have led to a significant reduction in the number of new cases and are key components of LF control programs.
Diagnosis: In recent years, there have been notable advancements in LF diagnosis. Traditional methods, such as microscopic examination of blood for the presence of microfilariae, have been supplemented by more sensitive and specific molecular techniques. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting specific filarial antigens have enhanced the accuracy of LF diagnosis. These advancements have improved our ability to detect infections, especially in areas with low transmission rates or in the post-MDA phase.
Treatment: The treatment of lymphatic filariasis is a crucial aspect of the overall control strategy. The primary approach involves mass drug administration (MDA) of antifilarial drugs to entire at-risk populations. The two main drug regimens recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for MDA are a combination of ivermectin and albendazole or diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole. Challenges such as ensuring high treatment coverage and addressing drug-related side effects persist. Ongoing research is focused on optimizing drug regimens, improving treatment accessibility, and exploring complementary interventions to enhance the effectiveness of LF elimination programs.
This research topic aims to collect a wide range of articles on the areas above. We will accept all article types permissible in Frontiers in Parasitology submission guidelines.
Keywords:
Microfilariae, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), Filarial antigens, Mosquito-borne
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.