The role of monitoring mosquito infection in the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

The current status of the available tools for quantifying vector infection and existing knowledge and evidence regarding potential infection thresholds for determining transmission interruption are reviewed to assess the potential for using vector infection monitoring for evaluating the success of filariasis treatment programmes.

Abstract

In addition to monitoring infection in the human host, there is also a need to assess larval infection in the vector mosquito population to evaluate the success of interventions for eliminating lymphatic filariasis transmission from endemic communities. Here, we review the current status of the available tools for quantifying vector infection and existing knowledge and evidence regarding potential infection thresholds for determining transmission interruption, to assess the potential for using vector infection monitoring as a tool for evaluating the success of filariasis treatment programmes.