Abstract:
Background: Epidemiological surveys are important tools for monitoring progress of lymphatic
filariasis (Lf) eradication programs. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the
current status of Lf in Gampaha district, following the completion of 5 year mass-treatment
program (MDA), by using traditional night blood screening test. Study design: Study sites were
selected within the Lf endemic area while following guidelines of Anti Filariasis Campaign and
study population consist of all individual living within the 500 m radius randomly selected land
area.
Methodology: Night blood screening was carried out between May to August 2009 in 9 sites in 3
closely situated Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas of Gampaha district. All participants were
screened for Microfilariae (mf) after examination by a medical officer for clinical manifestations
of Lf and the awareness and practices of participating individuals of >15 years with regard to MDA
programme surveyed using an interviewer administrated structured questionnaire. Results: Of
the 1073 participants (286 children, 787 adult) screened, 6 were positive in 2 sites for mf, giving
mf positive rates of 0.5% and 3.4% respectively in Hekiththa and Peliyagoda sites. While giving
mean mf density (mf/60 μl blood) of 2 and 7 respectively. Questionnaire analysis revealed that,
of the 1073 participants, 78% were aware of MDA and from that 65% had received the drugs and
from that nearly 50% had taken the drugs. Out of those 50%, only 34% had taken it continuously
all five years. According to the clinical investigation of 1073 participants, 7%, 3% and nearly 1%
had symptoms of headlice, Lyphoedema and Hydrocoela respectively. Discussion: mf rate of Lf
in this study population is greater than the currently reported in the country (0.18%). Therefore, an
intensive MDA programme is recommended to contain the spread of infection.
Description:
Annual Research Symposium Abstracts, FGS, University of Kelaniya, 17-18 December, 2009, Kelaniya
