Ivermectin (IVM) Possible Side Activities and Implications in Antimicrobial Resistance and Animal Welfare: The Authors’ Perspective

Ivermectin has a wide number of many diverse functions. Certainly, it is irreplaceable for the treatment of parasitic pathologies in both human and veterinary medicine, and the latter represents the major field of its application. It has been called the “drug for the world’s poor” because of its role as a saviour for those living on the margins of society, in underdeveloped areas afflicted by devastating and debilitating diseases, such as Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis. It showed huge, unexpected potential as an antibacterial (Chlamydia trachomatis and mycobacteria), and it has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. The research line described here is placed right in the middle of the investigation on the impact of this drug as an antimicrobial and an immunomodulator. Being a drug widely employed for mass administration, it is mandatory to broaden the knowledge of its possible interaction with bacterial growth and its generation of antimicrobial resistance. Equally, it is important to understand the impact of these drugs on the immune systems of animal species, e.g., horses and dogs, in which this drug is often used. More importantly, could immunomodulation and antibacterial activity promote both bacterial growth and the occurrence of resistance mechanisms?

SPECIES DISTRIBUTION UPDATE OF MANSONIA BLANCHARD, 1901 MOSQUITOES (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE) IN INDONESIA WITH THE ILLUSTRATED KEY FOR FEMALE MOSQUITO

Mansonia is a genus of mosquitoes of which several species are confirmed vectors of lymphatic filariasis. Many countries including Indonesia are still struggling to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Report of the Mansonia mosquito diversity and its distribution is essential to develop the control strategies. Six of eight Mansonia species have been confirmed as lymphatic filariasis vectors in Indonesia. This paper aims to update the distribution of the Mansonia mosquito in Indonesia. Species distribution data were summarized from various literature regarding the Mansonia mosquito. The data is complemented by the results of the National Research on Disease Vector and Reservoir (Rikhus Vektora) results conducted by the National Institute of Health Research and Development (NIHRD) in 2015-2018. There were new distribution records for four species of Mansonia mosquitoes in Indonesia. Mansonia annulata Leicester, Ma. annulifera (Theobald), and Ma. indiana Edwards are now recorded distributed throughout the archipelago. Meanwhile, Ma. bonneae Edwards has a new distribution record in the Moluccas. The illustrated identification key for female Mansonia mosquitoes in Indonesia is provided in this paper.

Lymphatic Filariasis: A Systematic Review on Morbidity and Its Repercussions in Countries in the Americas

The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is a program that aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2030. The GPELF strategy is based on interrupting transmission using mass drug administration (MDA) and, in parallel, managing morbidity cases. However, it has been seen that there is a shortage of research in the literature and public policies regarding this last pillar. In this study, we reviewed the literature and available information regarding the burden of filarial morbidity. In addition, we identified that in the Americas, the implementation of structured services with regard to morbidity assistance in the Americas was scarce. We formed a review that aimed to assess the pathogenesis, epidemiology, repercussions, and treatment of filarial morbidity in countries in the Americas where lymphatic filariasis is endemic. Structured searches were carried out on PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without time and language restrictions. Three reviewers evaluated the 2150 studies and performed data extraction, and quality assessment by assigning scores to the studies found. The current literature and available information on the burden of filarial morbidity, as well as the implementation of structured services with regard to morbidity assistance in the Americas, were all found to be scarce. Now that this knowledge gap has been identified, both health services and researchers need to seek the implementation and enhancement of the maintenance of GPELF strategies that relate to the morbidity pillar.

Potensi Culex quinquefasciatus sebagai Vektor Filariasis dan Kondisi Lingkungan di Kota Pekalongan

Pekalongan City was still an endemic area of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). Twice cycles ofMass Drug Administration (MDA) had been implemented, but the Microfi laria rate (Mf rate) wasstill more than 1%. This observational research aimed to study the potential of Culex quinquefasciatusas a vector of LF in Pekalongan City. A Cross-sectional design was chosen as an approach in compilinginformation related to environmental factors and mosquitoes. The population of this research washouses located in Jenggot and Kertoharjo village with thirty-one houses, located around fi lariasiscases, purposively selected as samples. Variables studied in this research were environmental factorsand mosquito vectors. Data collection using observation, and laboratory examination throughmosquito dissection. Data would be analyzed descriptively. This study found that there were 8 Culexquinquefasciatus tested positive L3 fi larial worm (infective rate 4.39%). There were 74.2% of houseshad mosquitoes’ breeding sites around them. The breeding sites were found at domestic waste disposal,drainage in front of the house, and infi ltration well for liquid waste. As much as 86.2% of the breedingsites contained mosquito larvae. This research concluded that Cx. quinquefasciatus was confi rmedpositive fi laria worm thus establish as mosquito vector for Lymphatic Filariasis in Pekalongan City.The breeding sites related to the mosquito development were small water bodies, drainage in front ofand around the house.

Impact on Vector-Borne Diseases in COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a District in Jharkhand, India

The study is aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) like banning mass gatherings (Lockdown) etc on vector borne diseases. This study can throw some light on the epidemiology of all vector-borne diseases under surveillance during this COVID-19 pandemic. This study is done in Dumka district, Jharkhand. Method- A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 Blocks of Dumka District. Sampling technique used in this study was convenience sampling. Study of six month was conducted for vector-borne diseases from January 2021– June 2021.To know the epidemiology of vector-borne disease before and after COVID-19 pandemic, data from the year 2019 and 2020 was used for data analysis. Result – During the six months study period between January 2021-June 2021, maximum number of cases found in Dumka District was Kala-azar followed by Lymphatic Filariasis and then Malaria. There was sharp decrease in number of vector-borne disease cases. After data analysis between the year 2019 and 2020 reduction of cases was seen in Kala-azar (15.3%), Lymphatic Filariasis (8.9%) and maximum reduction of cases was seen Malaria (98.1%). Conclusion – A drastic reduction in reported cases of vector-borne diseases was noticed. To better understand the reason behind the changes in vector-borne disease prevalence a consistent and vigilant surveillance is required. Keywords: COVID-19, Vector-borne diseases, non-pharmaceutical interventions.

A Rare Case of Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori.Asymptomatic microfilaria, acute lymphatic filariasis, chronic lymphatic filariasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia are the different presentations of lymphatic filariasis. Systemic manifestation can involve joint, kidney, heart and nerve. This article is a case report of lymphatic filariasis with a rare presentation of anasarca and nephritic syndrome.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis before and after preventive chemotherapy initiation in the Philippines: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To estimate the impact of preventive chemotherapy on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines, using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We included reports reporting prevalence of STH infections, schistosomiasis, or lymphatic filariasis in the Philippines published until 31 March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies were identified in electronic databases. Grey literature reports by the University of the Philippines and the Department of Health were also included. Pooled infection prevalence, before and after the initiation of preventive chemotherapy, stratified by age group, was calculated using the inverse variance heterogeneity model. Findings A total of 109 reports were included in the review and meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity Ascaris lumbricoides (6.6%) and Trichuris trichiura (2.7%) infection after initiation of preventive chemotherapy were significantly lower than the prevalence prior to initiation (23.6% for A. lumbricoides and 12.2% for T. trichiura). Prevalence reductions were also found in school and preschool-age children for A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Studies conducted after preventive chemotherapy initiation had significantly lower overall prevalence of moderate-heavy intensity schistosomiasis (3.1% vs 0.2%) and of schistosomiasis in school-age children (30.5% vs 1%). Pooled prevalence of lymphatic filariasis prior to preventive chemotherapy initiation was 3.2% across 12 provinces, while currently only two provinces still have prevalence of more than 1%. There were no published studies reporting prevalence of lymphatic filariasis after initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Heterogeneity was high with I2 mostly above 90%. Conclusion The burden of STH infections and schistosomiasis in children were significantly lower in studies conducted following the initiation of preventive chemotherapy. Eliminating morbidity and interrupting transmission, however, may require expanded control initiatives including community-wide treatment, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. Lymphatic filariasis burden has decreased since the implementation of preventive chemotherapy, with all but two provinces having reached the elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.

Situasi Filariasis Limfatik di Daerah Pasca Pemberian Obat Pencegahan Massal (POPM) dan Pasca Eliminasi di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Timur dan Belitung

East Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi did not pass in the Pre-Transmission Assessment Survey (Pre-TAS) in 2017, while Belitung, Bangka Belitung has a microfilaria rate (Mf rate) >1% even though it has passed TAS 1,2, and 3. The purpose of this study is to identify the program implementation control of lymphatic filariasis in East Tanjung Jabung Regency and Belitung Regency. The research was conducted in four villages, namely of Rantau Rasau 2, Nibung Putih (East Tanjung Jabung), Lasar, and Suak Gual (Belitung). Blood sampling was conducted on 1,919 people aged 5-70 years, while interviews were conducted on 900 people aged >16 years. The results of blood tests in East Tanjung Jabung were not found positive for mf, while in Belitung, 33 people were found positive for mf. The results of the risk estimate analysis of the respondent's knowledge, attitude and behavior factors indicate that respondents who live in East Tanjung Jabung Regency have a better level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour towards lymphatic filariasis t han respondents who live in Belitung Regency. Keywords: lymphatic filariasis, elimination, risk factor Abstrak Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi tidak lulus dalam Survei Penilaian Pra Transmisi (Pre-TAS) tahun 2017, sedangkan Belitung, Bangka Belitung memiliki angka mikrofilaria (Mf rate) >1% padahal sudah lolos TAS 1,2, dan 3. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi pelaksanaan program pengendalian penyakit filariasis limfatik di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Timur dan Kabupaten Belitung. Penelitian dilakukan di empat desa, yaitu Rantau Rasau, Nibung Putih (Tanjung Jabung Timur), Lasar dan Suak Gual (Belitung). Pengambilan sampel darah dilakukan pada 1.919 orang berusia 5-70 tahun, sedangkan wawancara dilakukan pada 900 orang berusia >16 tahun. Hasil tes darah di Tanjung Jabung Timur tidak ditemukan positif mf, sedangkan di Belitung, 33 orang ditemukan positif mf. Hasil analisis estimasi risiko faktor pengetahuan, sikap dan perilaku responden menunjukkan bahwa responden yang berdomisili di Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Timur memiliki tingkat pengetahuan, sikap, dan perilaku yang lebih baik terhadap filariasis limfatik dibandingkan responden yang berdomisili di Kabupaten Belitung. Kata kunci: filariasis limfatik, eliminasi, faktor risiko

Impact of Semi-Annual Albendazole on Lymphatic Filariasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infection: Parasitological Assessment after 14 Rounds of Community Treatment

Between October 2012 and October 2015, we conducted a community trial to assess the impact of semi-annual (twice yearly) community treatment with albendazole on lymphatic filariasis in Seke Pembe, a village in the Republic of the Congo. Semi-annual community treatment with albendazole has been continued in the community since October 2015. We conducted an additional parasitological assessment survey in October 2019, 6 months after the 14th round of semi-annual treatment. Between October 2012 and October 2015, Wuchereria bancrofti antigenemia and microfilaremia rates in the community had decreased from 17.3% to 4.7% and from 5.3% to 0.3%, respectively. In October 2019, the antigenemia rate had decreased further to 2.8% (19 of 687). No microfilariae were found in night blood smears from persons with circulating filarial antigenemia (0 of 16), suggesting that W. bancrofti transmission has been interrupted in Seke Pembe. Semi-annual albendazole treatments also reduced significantly infection rates with soil-transmitted helminths.

Prevalensi Wuchereria bancrofti Paska Pemberian Obat Pencegahan Massal Filariasis Limfatik di Wilayah Endemis Rendah Kota Pekalongan

Pekalongan district has completed mass drug administration (MDA) of lymphatic filariasis (LF) for two rounds but still remains positive for microfilariae (Mf rate) > 1%. This study aimed was to assess the prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti and its association with sociodemographic among the adult community to the incidence of lymphatic filariasis. This study is an analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The prevalence of W. bancrofti was detected by the presence of circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using a filarial test strip (FTS). The study population consisted of an adult group living in ten villages in the Pekalongan district's low-endemic region, with 1804 samples collected from 72 clusters. Statistical analysis was performed to test the difference between variables. There were 13 (0.72%) positive W. bancrofti antigen samples out of 1804 total samples. Males were found to be infected at a higher rate than females (61.5%). The age of subjects infected with W. bancrofti was dominated in the range of 13-50 years as many as 9 people (69.2%). The proportion of positive CFA in Medono village with the highest proportion was 6 people (2.7%). There was no statistically significant difference between gender and age with LF cases, but it is significantly different by sub-district (p-value = 0.041). LF transmission occurred in border areas between high and low endemic LF areas. MDA implementation must be constantly supervised in required to address the elimination target.