An analysis of the safety of the single dose, two drug regimens used in programmes to eliminate lymphatic filariasis

Parasitology ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 121 (S1) ◽  
pp. S147-S160 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. HORTON ◽  
C. WITT ◽  
E.A. OTTESEN ◽  
J.K. LAZDINS ◽  
D.G. ADDISS ◽  
...  

This review of the safety of the co-administration regimens to be used in programmes to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (albendazole+ivermectin or albendazole+diethylcarbamazine [DEC]) is based on 17 studies conducted in Sri Lanka, India, Haiti, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador, the Philippines, Gabon, Papua New Guinea, and Bangladesh. The total data set comprises 90635 subject exposures and includes individuals of all ages and both genders. Results are presented for hospital-based studies, laboratory studies, active surveillance of microfilaria-positive and microfilaria-negative individuals, and passive monitoring in both community-based studies and mass treatment programmes of individuals treated with albendazole (n=1538), ivermectin (9822), DEC (576), albendazole+ivermectin (7470), albendazole+DEC (69020), or placebo (1144). The most rigorous monitoring, which includes haematological and biochemical laboratory parameters pre- and post-treatment, provides no evidence that consistent changes are induced by any treatment; the majority of abnormalities appear to be sporadic, and the addition of albendazole to either ivermectin or DEC does not increase the frequency of abnormalities. Both DEC and ivermectin show, as expected, an adverse event profile compatible with the destruction of microfilariae. The addition of albendazole to either single-drug treatment regimen does not appear to increase the frequency or intensity of events seen with these microfilaricidal drugs when used alone. Direct observations indicated that the level of adverse events, both frequency and intensity, was correlated with the level of microfilaraemia. In non microfilaraemic individuals, who form 80–90% of the ‘at risk’ populations to be treated in most national public health programmes to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), the event profile with the compounds alone or in combination does not differ significantly from that of placebo. Data on the use of ivermectin+albendazole in areas either of double infection (onchocerciasis and LF), or of loiais (with or without concurrent LF) are still inadequate and further studies are needed. Additional data are also recommended for populations infected with Brugia malayi, since most data thus far derive from populations infected with Wuchereria bancrofti.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S33-S38
Author(s):  
Gilberto Fontes ◽  
Eliana Maria Mauricio da Rocha ◽  
Ronaldo Guilherme Carvalho Scholte ◽  
Rubén Santiago Nicholls

Abstract In South and Central America, lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus, the only vector species in this region. Of the seven countries considered endemic for LF in the Americas in the last decade, Costa Rica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago were removed from the World Health Organization list in 2011. The remaining countries, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guyana and Haiti, have achieved important progress in recent years. Brazil was the first country in the Americas to stop mass drug administration (MDA) and to establish post-MDA surveillance. Dominican Republic stopped MDA in all LF-endemic foci: La Ciénaga and Southwest passed the third Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) and the Eastern focus passed TAS-1 in 2018. Haiti passed the TAS and interrupted transmission in >80% of endemic communes, achieving effective drug coverage. Guyana implemented effective coverage in MDAs in 2017 and 2018 and in 2019 scaled up the treatment for 100% of the geographical region, introducing ivermectin in the MDA in order to achieve LF elimination by the year 2026. The Americas region is on its way to eliminating LF transmission. However, efforts should be made to improve morbidity management to prevent disability of the already affected populations.


Author(s):  
Allassane F Ouattara ◽  
Catherine M Bjerum ◽  
Méité Aboulaye ◽  
Olivier Kouadio ◽  
Vanga K Marius ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ivermectin (IVM) plus albendazole (ALB), or IA, is widely used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs that aim to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Africa. However, IVM can cause severe adverse events in persons with heavy Loa loa infections that are common in Central Africa. ALB is safe in loiasis, but more information is needed on its efficacy for LF. This study compared the efficacy and safety of three years of semiannual treatment with ALB to annual IA in persons with bancroftian filariasis. Methods Adults with Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaremia (Mf) were randomized to receive either three annual doses of IA (N=52), six semiannual doses of ALB 400mg (N=45), or six semiannual doses of ALB 800mg (N=47). The primary outcome amicrofilaremia at 36 months. Findings IA was more effective for completely clearing Mf than ALB 400mg or ALB 800mg (79%, CI 67-91; vs. 48%, CI 32-66 and 57%, CI 41-73, respectively). Mean % reductions in Mf counts at 36 months relative to baseline tended to be greater after IA (98%, CI 88-100) than after ALB 400mg (88%, CI 78-98) and ALB 800mg (89%, CI 79-99) (P=0.07 and P=0.06, respectively). Adult worm nest numbers (assessed by ultrasound) were reduced in all treatment groups. Treatments were well tolerated. Interpretation Repeated semiannual treatment with ALB is macrofilaricidal for W. bancrofti and leads to sustained reductions in Mf counts. This is a safe and effective regimen that could be used as MDA to eliminate LF in areas ivermectin cannot be used.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliza Lupenza ◽  
Dinah B. Gasarasi ◽  
Omary M. Minzi

Abstract Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) elimination program in Tanzania started in 2000 in response to the Global program for the elimination of LF by 2020. Evidence shows a persistent LF transmission despite more than a decade of mass drug administration (MDA). It is advocated that, regular monitoring should be conducted in endemic areas to evaluate the progress towards elimination and detect resurgence of the disease timely. This study was therefore designed to assess the status of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Culex quinqefasciatus and Anopheles species after six rounds of MDA in Masasi District, South Eastern Tanzania. Methods Mosquitoes were collected between June and July 2019 using Center for Diseases Control (CDC) light traps and gravid traps for indoor and outdoor respectively. The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified into respective species. Dissections and PCR were carried out to detect W. bancrofti infection. Questionnaire survey and checklist were used to assess vector control interventions and household environment respectively. A Poisson regression model was run to determine the effects of household environment on filarial vector density. Results Overall, 12 452 mosquitoes were collected of which 10 545 (84.7%) were filarial vectors. Of these, Anopheles gambiae complex, An. funestus group and Cx. quinquefasciatus accounted for 0.1%, 0.7% and 99.2% respectively. A total of 365 pools of Cx. quinquefasciatus (each with 20 mosquitoes) and 46 individual samples of Anopheles species were analyzed by PCR. For Cx. quinquefasciatus pools, 33 were positive for W. bancrofti, giving an infection rate of 0.5%, while the 46 samples of Anopheles species were all negative. All 1859 dissected mosquitoes analyzed by microscopy were also negative. Households with modern latrines had less mosquitoes than those with pit latrines [odds ratio (OR) = 0.407, P < 0.05]. Houses with unscreened windows had more mosquitoes as compared to those with screened windows (OR = 2.125, P < 0.05). More than 80% of the participants own bednets while 16.5% had no protection. Conclusions LF low transmission is still ongoing in Masasi District after six rounds of MDA and vector control interventions. The findings also suggest that molecular tools may be essential for xenomonitoring LF transmission during elimination phase.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 30
Author(s):  
Ruby D. Tagocon ◽  
Ismael N. Talili

Communication is immensely dynamic in the 21st century as evidenced by the fast-changing communication mechanisms. However, global trends show that oral communication skills are still considered among the most desired skills that employers are seeking in the workplace. Thus, there is a need to explore the manifestation of the socio-cultural components of the personnel, namely: behavior, attitude, and etiquette in their oral communication practices particularly the informal manner, as the components bear a significance when they engage in such form of communication interaction.  Direct observations of thirty-eight episodes of the teaching and non-teaching interactions of the personnel were noted followed by a Focus Group Discussion with seven selected personnel that validated the results of the observed manifestation of their  socio-cultural components and likewise explored other underlying factors that shaped and developed their socio-cultural components. Behavior (facial expressions) and etiquette (voice tone) components mainly dominated in their interactions, yet the attitude component is also significant to them. The manifestation of these components is situational given their respective upbringing during childhood as a major perceived aspect that established these components. A desirable manifestation of these components is encouraged when engaging in informal oral communication interactions so to become a competent communicator in the workplace.


Discourse ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 87-98
Author(s):  
M. N. Yashina

Introduction. The practice of obtaining family education has become a fashionable trend in our country in recent years. Despite the growing popularity among the population, we have not yet received enough scientific understanding of this form of training. The purpose of the article is to describe the social portrait of families who have chosen a family form of education for a child. The scientific novelty of the work is due to the empirical data presented in it, which have a dynamic nature of observing the studied object.Methodology and sources. The methodological basis for the study was the conflict approach and the principles of a radical humanistic approach to education in the interpretation of I. Illich. The empirical basis of the study is the results of three surveys of parents o f c hildren f rom 6 t o 1 8 y ears o ld w ho are o n f amily e ducation. S urveys w ere implemented from 2016 to 2020, according to the same methodology and tools. To collect data, a questionnaire for an online survey was developed, which was distributed on social networks, mainly in VKontakte communities dedicated to family education. The total data set includes 443 respondents.Results and discussion. According to surveys, children in family education grow up in full families, where the parent's ode has a high level of education, the mother, as a rule, does not work or has the possibility of a free schedule and is a teacher for the child. The main source of income in the family is the father. The total income of the family, which averages from 40 to 60 thousand rubles per month. In the family, most often two children, one of whom is in family education. Family education is mainly provided with primary school children.Conclusion. The peculiarity of studying family education not only in our country, but also in the world is the lack of accurate statistics on the number of children of homeschoolers. In this regard, only non-random samples are possible in the implementation. The portrait of Russian homeschoolers differs from American ones, in particular in the level at which family education is implemented, the place of residence of families, and their income.


Parasitology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 145 (13) ◽  
pp. 1783-1791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Millicent Opoku ◽  
Corrado Minetti ◽  
Worlasi D. Kartey-Attipoe ◽  
Sampson Otoo ◽  
Joseph Otchere ◽  
...  

AbstractMonitoring vectors is relevant to ascertain transmission of lymphatic filariasis (LF). This may require the best sampling method that can capture high numbers of specific species to give indication of transmission. Gravid anophelines are good indicators for assessing transmission due to close contact with humans through blood meals. This study compared the efficiency of an Anopheles gravid trap (AGT) with other mosquito collection methods including the box and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention gravid, light, exit and BioGent-sentinel traps, indoor resting collection (IRC) and pyrethrum spray catches across two endemic regions of Ghana. The AGT showed high trapping efficiency by collecting the highest mean number of anophelines per night in the Western (4.6) and Northern (7.3) regions compared with the outdoor collection methods. Additionally, IRC was similarly efficient in the Northern region (8.9) where vectors exhibit a high degree of endophily. AGT also showed good trapping potential for collecting Anopheles melas which is usually difficult to catch with existing methods. Screening of mosquitoes for infection showed a 0.80–3.01% Wuchereria bancrofti and 2.15–3.27% Plasmodium spp. in Anopheles gambiae. The AGT has shown to be appropriate for surveying Anopheles populations and can be useful for xenomonitoring for both LF and malaria.


2022 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Soledad Natalia M. Dalisay ◽  
Vicente Y. Belizario ◽  
Joseph Aaron S. Joe ◽  
Carlo R. Lumangaya ◽  
Reginaldo D. Cruz

Abstract Schistosomiasis japonica remains a public health concern in many areas of the Philippines. Periodic Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to at-risk populations is the main strategy for morbidity control of schistosomiasis. Attaining MDA coverage targets is important for the reduction of morbidity and prevention of complications due to the disease, and towards achieving Universal Health Care. The study employed a qualitative case study design. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to provide in-depth and situated descriptions of the contexts surrounding the implementation of MDA in two selected villages in known schistosomiasis-endemic provinces in Mindanao in the Philippines. Data analysis was done using the Critical Ecology for Medical Anthropology (CEMA) model coupled with the intersectionality approach. It was found that within various areas in the CEMA model, enabling as well as constraining factors have been encountered in MDA in the study settings. The interplay of income class, geographical location, gender norms and faith-based beliefs may have led to key populations being missed during the conduct of MDA in the study sites. The constraints faced by the target beneficiaries of MDA, as well as programme implementers, must be addressed to enhance service delivery and to control morbidity due to schistosomiasis. Improving compliance with MDA also requires a holistic, integrated approach to addressing barriers to participation, which are shaped by wider socio-political and power structures.


Paleobiology ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick A. Sundberg

Ptychopariid trilobites from the Marjumiid biomere of Laurentia underwent a statistically significant morphological diversification that is concordant with proposed adaptive radiations of trilobites in each of the Cambrian biomeres. An analysis of a subset consisting of the biomere's most characteristic taxa, the Asaphiscacea, Raymondinacea, and Marjumiacea, also illustrates this morphological diversification. In detail, the total data set and subset show a limited range of morphologies near the base of the biomere and a large increase in range in the upper portion of the biomere.Regional assemblages from the Appalachians, Great Basin, and Texas were also studied to determine if they too show the larger-scale macroevolutionary patterns of trilobites from Laurentia as a whole. The regional assemblages illustrate similar, butnot identical, morphological diversifications, which are also similar to the overall Laurentian pattern. Subsets of the characteristic taxa also show this diversification. These results suggest that regional assemblages can be used to investigate these larger-scale macroevolutionary patterns.Causal mechanisms for the diversification patterns are not clear. Potential mechanisms include: (1) endemic evolution of new morphologies in Laurentia; (2) migration of new morphologies, including intra- and inter-continental migrations; and (3) environmental controls over the distribution of morphologies. Likely causes for the morphological diversification and its similarity among regions probably include aspects of all three mechanisms.


1971 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Jeglum ◽  
C. F. Wehrhahn ◽  
J. M. A. Swan

Data from a survey of lowland, mainly peatland, vegetation were subjected to environmental ordination based on measurements of water level and water conductivity, and to vegetational ordination derived from principal component analysis (P.C.A.). Analyzed were the total set of the data ("all types"), half sets ("nonwoody" and "woody types") and quarter sets (stands of "marshes", "meadows", "shrub fens", and "other woody types"); the number of distinct physiognomic groups in a set of data, and presumably the amount of contained heterogeneity, decreased at each segmentation.The effectiveness of the ordination models was tested by correlating measured distances in two-dimensional ordination models with 2W/(A + B) indices of vegetational similarity for randomly selected pairs of types or stands. As the physiognomic complexity decreased, the effectiveness of the P.C.A. vegetational ordination increased whereas that of the environmental ordination decreased. The environmental ordination seemed most appropriate to the data encompassing high complexity (total data set), while the P.C.A. vegetational ordination seemed most appropriate to data with low complexity (quarter sets of the data).


2020 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
pp. 106431
Author(s):  
Nazeer Yasin ◽  
Hoti Sugerappa Laxmanappa ◽  
Uday M. Muddapur ◽  
Jennifer Cheruvathur ◽  
S.M. Uday Prakash ◽  
...  

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