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Diagnostic tools for filariasis elimination programs

Trends in ParasitologyPublished 15 December 2006
Gary J. Weil, Reda M. R. Ramzy
Citations232
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score1.31
SNIP1.79

TL;DR

This article reviews available diagnostic tests for filariasis and their potential use as tools for different phases of filARIasis elimination programs.

Abstract

The ambitious and exciting Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is largely based on a strategy of mass drug administration (MDA) of repeated rounds of antifilarial medications to endemic populations around the world. Diagnostic tools are important to GPELF because they affect decisions regarding where to distribute MDA, how to measure its effects, how to define targets and endpoints for stopping MDA, and how to monitor populations for possible resurgence of filariasis transmission following suspension of MDA. This article reviews available diagnostic tests for filariasis and their potential use as tools for different phases of filariasis elimination programs.

Keywords

MedicineEnvironmental Science