Ongoing transmission of lymphatic filariasis in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug mass drug administration.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
; 18(6): e0012236, 2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38935622
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant global issue. To eliminate LF as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends multiple rounds of mass drug administration (MDA). In certain scenarios, including when elimination targets have not been met with two-drug MDA, triple-drug MDA (using ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole) is recommended. In this study, we report on antigen (Ag) and microfilaria (Mf) prevalence in eight primary sampling units (PSUs) in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug MDA.METHODOLOGY:
In 2023, community surveys were conducted in eight PSUs that had been surveyed previously in 2018 (between 1.5 and 3.5 months post triple-drug MDA) and 2019 (six to eight-months post triple-drug MDA). Fifteen houses were randomly selected in each PSU with household members aged ≥ 5 years invited to participate. Blood samples were tested for Ag and Mf. PRINCIPALFINDINGS:
Ag-positive participants were observed in six of the eight PSUs, and Ag prevalence was significantly above the 1% threshold in four PSUs. The presence of Mf-positive participants in five PSUs confirms the presence of residual active infections. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
This study provides evidence of persistent LF transmission in Samoa 4.5 years after one round of triple-drug MDA, confirming that one round was insufficient for interruption of transmission in this setting. Our findings highlight the negative impact of delaying MDA rounds, for example, due to public health emergencies.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Elephantiasis, Filarial
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Ivermectin
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Albendazole
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Diethylcarbamazine
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Filaricides
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Mass Drug Administration
Limits:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Animals
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
Journal subject:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Australia
Country of publication:
Estados Unidos