Can lymphatic filariasis be eradicated in Papua New Guinea?
Bockarie, M.
Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal 37(2): 61-64
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 7771116 Document Number: 434042
The editorialist states that lymphatic filariasis in Papua New Guinea is caused only by Wuchereria bancrofti and that the principal vectors are mosquitoes from the Anopheles punctulatus group; the vector-parasite relationship is facilitation. Some of the highest microfilarial carriage rates in the world have been recorded in Papua New Guinea (nearly 100% in some village communities), and in some of the highly endemic areas up to 64% of adults aged 31-40 years have obstructive disease manifested as elephantiasis or hydrocoele. From discussion of results of control methods previously used in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere, the editorialist concludes that it should be possible to interrupt the transmission of filariasis in Papua New Guinea, using an integrated control approach with mass drug administration and vector control, the former possibly synchronized with semiannual bednet treatment with permethrin.Carolyn A. Brown It is stated that lymphatic filariasis in Papua New Guinea is caused only by Wuchereria bancrofti and that the principal vectors are mosquitoes from the Anopheles punctulatus group; the vector-parasite relationship is facilitation. Some of the highest microfilarial carriage rates in the world have been recorded in Papua New Guinea (nearly 100% in some village communities), and in some of the highly endemic areas up to 64% of adults aged 31-40 years have obstructive disease manifested as elephantiasis or hydrocoele. From discussion of results of control methods previously used in Papua New Guinea and elsewhere, it is concluded that it should be possible to interrupt the transmission of filariasis in Papua New Guinea, using an integrated control approach with mass drug administration and vector control, the former possibly synchronized with semiannual bednet treatment with permethrin.