Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a research focus of the Coalition for Operational Research on Neglected Tropical Diseases (COR-NTD). According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Lymphatic filariasis, considered globally as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms. The adult worms only live in the human lymph system. The lymph system maintains the body’s fluid balance and fights infections. Lymphatic filariasis is spread from person to person by mosquitoes.

People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema and elephantiasis and in men, swelling of the scrotum, called hydrocele. Lymphatic filariasis is a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide. Communities frequently shun and reject women and men disfigured by the disease. Affected people frequently are unable to work because of their disability, and this harms their families and their communities.

Source: Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC 

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Added 23 September 2021

Operational research to develop an M&E strategy to guide triple drug stopping decisions for lymphatic filariasis in Kenya

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
Lymphatic filariasis
Research question
  • What is the indicator(s) and accompanying M&E strategy that enables country programs to determine when the risk of ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis has been reduced so that triple drug therapy with ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole (IDA) can be stopped with little risk of resurgence of transmission?
  • Can the use of a tailored social mobilization package be used to strengthen community and health system participation and achieve >80% coverage for IDA in Kenya?
Added 27 September 2021

Evaluation of community directed vector control on transmission of Onchocerca volvulus in a Loa loa co-endemic region

Centre for Research on Filariasis and Other Tropical Diseases (CRFilMT)
Loiasis
Onchocerciasis
Research question

This study will pilot the Slash and Clear methodology in an oncho-Loa loa co-endemic setting. Previous pilots in Uganda and Nigeria have demonstrated that this simple strategy of removing breeding sites can result in significant black fly reductions that last for several months. This study will provide important data on the impact of Slash and Clear on black fly biting, and consequently its impact on oncho elimination. Two intervention and one control community will be compared for two years, with repeated measurements being taken of biting rates.

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