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NEW THIS WEDNESDAY: BEDNETS TO STOP LF TRANSMISSION IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Tuesday, 27th of August 2013

• COMMUNITY-WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF LONG-LASTING INSECTICIDAL NETS CAN HALT TRANSMISSION OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Aug 12. [Epub ahead of print]

Richards FO, Emukah E, Graves PM, Nkwocha O, Nwankwo L, Rakers L, Mosher A, Patterson A, Ozaki M, Nwoke BE, Ukaga CN, Njoku C, Nwodu K, Obasi A, Miri ES.

Source

The Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia; The Carter Center, Owerri, Nigeria; Ministry of Health, Owerri, Nigeria; Ministry of Health, Ebonyi, Nigeria; Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria; The Carter Center, Jos, Nigeria.

Abstract below; full text available to journal subscribers

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) in rural southeastern Nigeria is transmitted mainly by Anopheles spp. mosquitoes. Potential coinfection with Loa loa in this area has prevented use of ivermectin in the mass drug administration (MDA) strategy for LF elimination because of potential severe adverse L. loa-related reactions. This study determined if long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution programs for malaria would interrupt LF transmission in such areas, without need for MDA. Monthly entomologic monitoring was conducted in sentinel villages before and after LLIN distribution to all households and all age groups (full coverage) in two districts, and to pregnant women and children less than five years of age in the other two districts. No change in human LF microfilaremia prevalence was observed, but mosquito studies showed a statistically significant decrease in LF infection and infectivity with full-coverage LLIN distribution. We conclude that LF transmission can be halted in southeastern Nigeria by full-coverage LLIN distribution, without MDA.