“Bancroftian” filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti is the only type of lymphatic filariasis present in the Americas. The infection is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and is associated with acute and chronic symptoms that can lead to disfigurement and consequently to social exclusion and stigma. Measures are being taken to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem from the Americas, and the mainstay of the strategy is mass drug administration of two anthelminthic drugs, diethylcarbamazine and albendazole, to all individuals living in endemic areas.
Last Updated on Thursday, 11 October 2012 08:04