LF Support Center: About Lymphatic Filariasis

LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS: THE BURDEN, THE PROMISE

Transmitted by mosquitoes, immature lymphatic filariasis parasites grow in the body to become thread-like worms, two to four inches long, which invade the lymph nodes and vessels causing irreversible damage to them. Without treatment, lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic infection causing life-long disability.
The infection is usually acquired in childhood. Its most dreaded consequences are elephantiasis (massive swelling of the arms, legs, breasts and genitals) and hydrocele (fluid-filled swelling of the scrotum), both of which effectively destroy an affected individual's quality of life. The infection also leads to episodes of debilitating fever and enormous pain. The deep creases of swollen legs and feet provide a perfect environment for incapacitating secondary bacterial infections.
Nigeria photo courtesy of J.D. Scott

For many suffering from LF, the psychological toll is as devastating as the physical symptoms. So discomfited by the disfigurement (the scrotums of men can swell to the size of basketballs or larger), affected individuals often cease to go out in public and become reclusive.

Even beyond the physical and psychological toll, the disease creates severe economic burden. Infected men and women frequently cannot work or take care of their families. To help earn money for the family, children may drop out of school, sharply reducing their future earning potential. LF infection entrenches entire families in poverty.

Egypt photo courtesy of the World Health Organization Fortunately with recent advancements in medical treatment the infection can be prevented or harnessed and some damage even reversed, allowing individuals and communities to free themselves of the burden of the infection and to regain hope.
Community-wide treatment is based on the co-administration of two safe and effective oral anti-parasite drugs, given to members of at-risk communities. The standard treatment is albendazole with either Mectizan® (ivermectin) or DEC (diethylcarbamazine), depending on local conditions, taken just once a year.

Through the generosity of GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co., Inc. albendazole and Mectizan® are donated free of charge; DEC is a widely-used and very inexpensive medicine.

While the drug regimen is seemingly simple - single doses of two medicines once a year for four to six years or table salt fortified with DEC - the logistics of providing treatment to all of the over one billion people at risk is an enormously complex challenge! Ensuring that all individuals at risk of infection, often in areas remote and difficult to access, are identified and treated requires a high degree of technical expertise.

The effort to achieve this goal is known as the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Coordinated by the World Health Organization, it is supported by a Global Alliance of public, private, and international institutions, each contributing its own special expertise.