Displaying publications 21 - 38 of 38 in total

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  1. Heterogeneous response of Wuchereria bancrofti-infected persons to diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and its implications for the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF)
    Sankari T, Subramanian S, Hoti SL, Pani SP, Jambulingam P, Das PK
    Parasitol Res, 2021 Jan;120(1):311-319.
    PMID: 33146778 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06950-7
    DEC or ivermectin (IVM) in combination with albendazole (ALB) has been the recommended strategy of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) since 2000. Despite effective population coverage (> 65%) with several rounds of MDA with DEC or combination of DEC plus ALB, microfilariae persist in few individuals and they continue to be the source of infection for transmitting LF. We report an individual's variability in response to DEC by defining the response as complete absence of microfilaria (mf) (post-treatment mf count = 0) and non-response as presence of mf (post-treatment mf count ≥ 1). We analyzed follow-up data on individual's response to treatment from two randomized clinical trials in which 46 microfilaremic individuals were treated with single-dose DEC (6 mg/kg body weight). They were classified into low, medium, and high mf density categories based on their pre-treatment mf counts. Of the 46 individuals, 65.2% have not responded throughout the 12-month post-treatment period. Application of a logistic regression model with fixed (age, gender, mf density, post-treatment time, and their interactions) and random (individual's response over time) effects indicated that treatment response is independent of age, gender, and time. The overall treatment response increases in low and decreases in high mf density categories. Furthermore, the estimates for the random coefficients model showed that there is a greater variability in response between individuals over post-treatment time. The results substantiate that individual variation in response to DEC exists which indicate the importance of studying the parasite as well as host genetic factors associated with DEC action.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/drug effects*
  2. Fulltext Field demonstration of the usefulness of a model of 3D printed mosquito light trap made in Sabah
    Shigeharu Sato, Tomonori Hoshi, Bumpei Tojo, Samson Yodot, Joni Jain
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):80-80.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Collecting mosquitoes is essential for research in mosquito-borne diseases, but the light traps used for that purpose are expensive and often difficult to obtain around research fields. We designed a new 3D-printable mosquito light trap that can be made inexpensively anywhere where electricity is available (Hoshi et al, Scientific Reports, in press). In this study, we produced that trap in Sabah and demonstrated its usefulness in the field. Meth-ods: With a 3D printer, the main parts of the trap - body, lid, lamp stand and collection box - were printed in Kota Kinabalu using black polylactic acid (PLA) filaments purchased online. All other parts such as the computer fan and batteries were commercially available at local shops in Sabah. The parts were assembled into the complete units at Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Rural Medical Education Centre (RMEC) in Sikuati, Kudat. Demonstration was performed at two sites in the Kudat district: RMEC campus and the premises of a local farm in Kampung Paradason. Results: The 3D traps collected 6 and 7 different species of mosquitoes at RMEC and Paradason sites, respectively. The numbers of mosquito species collected by the commercially-available CDC model-512 traps in parallel experiments were 2 (RMEC) and 10 (Paradason). The species collected by the 3D traps included Aedes albopictus (vector transmitting Dengue virus), Anopheles barbumbrosus (malaria), Culex quinquefasciatus (Wuchereria bancrofti, avian malaria, and arboviruses including Japanese encephalitis and Zika viruses) and Mansonia indiana (Brugia malayi). Conclu-sion: The 3D light trap which was produced in Sabah demonstrated its usefulness in the field tests performed in the Kudat district. This model can be used as an alternative to the rather expensive commercial light traps to collect the vector insects transmitting mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis, Zika fever and filariasis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  3. Fulltext Filariasis
    Mak JW
    Family Practitioner, 1982;5(3):23-26.
    Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti infections cause lymphatic filariasis in Malaysia. About 2.5 million people live in endemic areas of filariasis, of whom 5% have microfilaraemia and probably twice as many are infected. There is a wide clinical spectrum of response to the infection. While some have asymptomatic microfilaraemia, others have episodic attacks of fever, lymphadenitis, retrograde lymphangitis and lymphoedema. Elephantiasis is a late complication. Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia and other forms of occult filariasis are due to hyper allergic reactions to microfilarial antigens. Parasitological and serological tests aid in confirming the clinical diagnosis. The drug of choice is diethylcarbamazine citrate.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  4. Fulltext Recent advances on the use of biochemical extracts as filaricidal agents
    Al-Abd NM, Nor ZM, Al-Adhroey AH, Suhaimi A, Sivanandam S
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013;2013:986573.
    PMID: 24298292 DOI: 10.1155/2013/986573
    Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic infection that causes a devastating public health and socioeconomic burden with an estimated infection of over 120 million individuals worldwide. The infection is caused by three closely related nematode parasites, namely, Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori, which are transmitted to human through mosquitoes of Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes genera. The species have many ecological variants and are diversified in terms of their genetic fingerprint. The rapid spread of the disease and the genetic diversification cause the lymphatic filarial parasites to respond differently to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This in turn prompts the current challenge encountered in its management. Furthermore, most of the chemical medications used are characterized by adverse side effects. These complications urgently warrant intense prospecting on bio-chemicals that have potent efficacy against either the filarial worms or thier vector. In lieu of this, we presented a review on recent literature that reported the efficacy of filaricidal biochemicals and those employed as vector control agents. In addition, methods used for biochemical extraction, screening procedures, and structure of the bioactive compounds were also presented.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  5. Fulltext Epidemiological screening of lymphatic filariasis among immigrants using dipstick colloidal dye immunoassay
    Wan Omar A, Sulaiman O, Yusof S, Ismail G, Fatmah MS, Rahmah N, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2001 Jul;8(2):19-24.
    PMID: 22893756
    We have recently reported that a dipstick colloidal dye immunoassay (DIA) that detect parasite antigens in human serum is sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of active infection of lymphatic filariasis. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies (RbBmCAg) labelled with a commercial dye, palanil navy blue was used to detect filarial antigenemia among Indonesian and Bangladeshi immigrant workers (N= 630) at oil palm estates at Hulu Trengganu District, Peninsular Malaysia. Microfilaremia with Brugia malayi were detected in 51 (8.10 %) individuals, of which 42 (6.67 %) were among the Indonesians and 9 (1.98 %) among the Bangladeshis. Microfilaremia with Wuchereria bancrofti were detected in 33 (5.24 %) individuals of which 15 (2.38 %) were among the Indonesians and 18 (2.86 %) among the Bangladeshis workers. The DIA detected 96 (15.24 %) antigenemic cases which comprise of all the microfilaremic cases and 15 (2.38 %) amicrofilaremic cases. The amicrofilaremic cases with filarial antigenemia consisted of 9 (1. 43 %) Indonesians and 6 (0.95%) Bangladeshis. We have used 6 ul of the RbBmCAg and diluted (1:10) patients' sera per dipstick which make the DIA reagent conservative. The DIA is a rapid test and can be read in approximate 2 hours.. Additionally, coloured dots developed in the DIA can be qualitatively assessed visually for intensity. The DIA does not require sophisticated equipment or radioactivity, and therefore suitable for field application.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  6. Fulltext A randomized controlled trial of increased dose and frequency of albendazole with standard dose DEC for treatment of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaremics in Odisha, India
    Kar SK, Dwibedi B, Kerketa AS, Maharana A, Panda SS, Mohanty PC, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2015 Mar;9(3):e0003583.
    PMID: 25781977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003583
    Although current programmes to eliminate lymphatic filariasis have made significant progress it may be necessary to use different approaches to achieve the global goal, especially where compliance has been poor and 'hot spots' of continued infection exist. In the absence of alternative drugs, the use of higher or more frequent dosing with the existing drugs needs to be explored. We examined the effect of higher and/or more frequent dosing with albendazole with a fixed 300 mg dose of diethylcarbamazine in a Wuchereria bancrofti endemic area in Odisha, India. Following screening, 104 consenting adults were randomly assigned to treatment with the standard regimen annually for 24 months (S1), or annually with increased dose (800 mg albendazole)(H1) or with increased frequency (6 monthly) with either standard (S2) or increased (H2) dose. Pre-treatment microfilaria counts (GM) ranged from 348 to 459 mf/ml. Subjects were followed using microfilaria counts, OG4C3 antigen levels and ultrasound scanning for adult worm nests. Microfilarial counts tended to decrease more rapidly with higher or more frequent dosing at all time points. At 12 months, Mf clearance was marginally greater with the high dose regimens, while by 24 months, there was a trend to higher Mf clearance in the arm with increased frequency and 800 mg of albendazole (76.9%) compared to other arms, (S1:64%, S2:69.2% & H1:73.1%). Although higher and/or more frequent dosing showed a trend towards a greater decline in antigenemia and clearance of "nests", all regimens demonstrated the potential macrofilaricidal effect of the combination. The higher doses of albendazole did not result in a greater number or more severe side effects. The alternative regimens could be useful in the later stages of existing elimination programmes or achieving elimination more rapidly in areas where programmes have yet to start.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/drug effects*
  7. Advances in immunology and immunopathology of lymphatic filariasis
    Mak JW
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1993;24 Suppl 2:76-81.
    PMID: 7973952
    The lymphatic filarial parasites which affect about 90 million people worldwide have similar host-parasite relationships in man. They are all able to survive, reproduce and cause chronic infections if they can successfully evade the protective responses of the host. Studies to investigate the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations of the infection even among those living in similar endemic areas and with presumed equal exposure to infective larvae, have been hampered by the lack of animal models showing similar host-parasite responses. The recent use of the nude mouse infected with Brugia spp, and the leaf-monkey (Presbytis spp) infected with B. malayi or Wuchereria spp for the study of immune responses and the associated pathology of these infections, has elucidated some of the host protective immune responses as well as the associated immunopathological reactions. The successfully entrenched parasite elicits minimal reactions and pathology, but with the onset of effective host responses, whether assisted by chemotherapy, development of protective immunity or both, severe inflammatory responses may occur. The role of such immune mediated response in determining subsequent pathology will probably be dependent on the frequency and duration of these episodes, but these have yet to be defined. Prenatal and perinatal sensitization by filarial antigens are postulated to result in tolerance and/or modification of immune responses to subsequent infections. A role for genetic predisposition to certain clinical outcomes, for example, the development of elephantiasis, has been postulated but needs further study. Advances have also been achieved in defining those parasite antigens/products involved in eliciting or suppressing protective and other immune responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/immunology*
  8. Development of an Antigen Detection ELISA for Bancroftian Filariasis Using BmSXP-Specific Recombinant Monoclonal Antibody
    Rahumatullah A, Lim TS, Yunus MH, Noordin R
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2019 08;101(2):436-440.
    PMID: 31162018 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0034
    Lymphatic filariasis is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease responsible for morbidity and disability that affects 1.2 billion people worldwide, mainly the poor communities. Currently, filarial antigen testing is the method of choice for the detection of bancroftian filariasis, and to date, there are two commonly used tests. In the present study, a recently reported recombinant monoclonal antibody (5B) specific to BmSXP filarial antigen was used in developing an ELISA for the detection of circulating filarial antigen in sera of patients with bancroftian filariasis. The performance of the ELISA was evaluated using 124 serum samples. The ELISA was positive with all sera from microfilaremic bancroftian filariasis patients (n = 34). It also showed 100% diagnostic specificity when tested with sera from 50 healthy individuals and 40 patients with other parasitic diseases. The developed assay using the novel 5B recombinant monoclonal antibody could potentially be a promising alternative antigen detection test for bancroftian filariasis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/immunology*
  9. Fulltext Enhanced efficacy of sequential administration of Albendazole for the clearance of Wuchereria bancrofti infection: Double blind RCT
    De Britto RL, Vanamail P, Sankari T, Vijayalakshmi G, Das LK, Pani SP
    Trop Biomed, 2015 Jun;32(2):198-209.
    PMID: 26691247 MyJurnal
    Till today, there is no effective treatment protocol for the complete clearance of Wuchereria bancrofti (W.b) infection that causes secondary lymphoedema. In a double blind randomized control trial (RCT), 146 asymptomatic W. b infected individuals were randomly assigned to one of the four regimens for 12 days, DEC 300 mg + Doxycycline 100 mg coadministration or DEC 300 mg + Albendazole 400 mg co-administration or DEC 300 mg + Albendazole 400 mg sequential administration or control regimen DEC 300 mg and were followed up at 13, 26 and 52 weeks post-treatment for the clearance of infection. At intake, there was no significant variation in mf counts (F(3,137)=0.044; P=0.988) and antigen levels (F(3,137)=1.433; P=0.236) between the regimens. Primary outcome analysis showed that DEC + Albendazole sequential administration has an enhanced efficacy over DEC + Albendazole co-administration (80.6 Vs 64.7%), and this regimen is significantly different when compared to DEC + doxycycline co-administration and control (P<0.05), in clearing microfilaria in 13 weeks. Secondary outcome analysis showed that, all the trial regimens were comparable to control regimen in clearing antigen (F(3, 109)=0.405; P=0.750). Therefore, DEC + Albendazole sequential administration appears to be a better option for rapid clearance of W. b microfilariae in 13 weeks time. (Clinical trials.gov identifier - NCT02005653).
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/drug effects*
  10. Seroprevalence of lymphatic filariasis among migrant workers in Peninsular Malaysia
    Noordin R, Mohd Zain SN, Yunus MH, Sahimin N
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2017 08 01;111(8):370-372.
    PMID: 29206992 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trx062
    Background: Malaysia aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) by the year 2020, thus the potential threat of LF from migrant workers needs to be investigated.

    Methods: Brugian and bancroftian filariasis among 484 migrant workers from six countries were investigated using rapid tests based on detection of specific IgG4 antibodies against BmR1 (Brugia Rapid) and BmSXP recombinant antigens.

    Results: The seroprevalence of brugian filariasis was very low; however, bancroftian filariasis was notable among workers from India, Nepal and Myanmar.

    Conclusion: Malaysia is not endemic for Wuchereria bancrofti, but harbors the vectors for the parasite, thus the results showed that migrant workers should be monitored for this infection.

    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/isolation & purification*
  11. Fulltext Lymphatic pathology in asymptomatic and symptomatic children with Wuchereria bancrofti infection in children from Odisha, India and its reversal with DEC and albendazole treatment
    Kar SK, Dwibedi B, Das BK, Agrawala BK, Ramachandran CP, Horton J
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2017 Oct;11(10):e0005631.
    PMID: 29059186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005631
    BACKGROUND: Once interruption of transmission of lymphatic filariasis is achieved, morbidity prevention and management becomes more important. A study in Brugia malayi filariasis from India has shown sub-clinical lymphatic pathology with potential reversibility. We studied a Wuchereria bancrofti infected population, the major contributor to LF globally.

    METHODS: Children aged 5-18 years from Odisha, India were screened for W. bancrofti infection and disease. 102 infected children, 50 with filarial disease and 52 without symptoms were investigated by lymphoscintigraphy and then randomized to receive a supervised single oral dose of DEC and albendazole which was repeated either annually or semi-annually. The lymphatic pathology was evaluated six monthly for two years.

    FINDINGS: Baseline lymphoscintigraphy showed abnormality in lower limb lymphatics in 80% of symptomatic (40/50) and 63·5% (33/52) of asymptomatic children. Progressive improvement in baseline pathology was seen in 70·8, 87·3, 98·6, and 98·6% of cases at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months follow up, while in 4·2, 22·5, 47·9 and 64·8%, pathology reverted to normal. This was independent of age (p = 0·27), symptomatic status (p = 0·57) and semi-annual/bi-annual dosing (p = 0·46). Six of eleven cases showed clinical reduction in lymphedema of legs.

    INTERPRETATION: A significant proportion of a young W. bancrofti infected population exhibited lymphatic pathology which was reversible with annual dosage of DEC and albendazole. This provides evidence for morbidity prevention & treatment of early lymphedema. It can also be used as a tool to improve community compliance during mass drug administration.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov No CTRI/2013/10/004121.

    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti/isolation & purification
  12. Fulltext Plasmodium knowlesi and Wuchereria bancrofti: Their Vectors and Challenges for the Future
    Vythilingam I
    Front Physiol, 2012;3:115.
    PMID: 22557977 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00115
    Malaria and filariasis still continue to pose public health problems in developing countries of the tropics. Although plans are in progress for the elimination of both these parasitic vector borne diseases, we are now faced with a daunting challenge as we have a fifth species, Plasmodium knowlesi a simian malaria parasite affecting humans. Similarly in peninsular Malaysia, filariasis was mainly due to Brugia malayi. However, we now see cases of Wuchereria bancrofti in immigrant workers coming into the country. In order to successfully eliminate both these diseases we need to know the vectors involved and introduce appropriate control measures to prevent the diseases occurring in the future. As for knowlesi malaria it is still uncertain if human to human transmission through mosquito bites is occurring. However, P. knowlesi in human is not a rare occurrence anymore and has all the characteristics of a pathogen spreading due to changes in the ecosystem, international travel, and cross border migration. This has created a more complex situation. In order to overcome these challenges we need to revamp our control measures. This paper reviews the vectors of malaria and filariasis in Southeast Asia with special emphasis on P. knowlesi and W. bancrofti in Malaysia and their control strategies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  13. Homologs of the Brugia malayi diagnostic antigen BmR1 are present in other filarial parasites but induce different humoral immune responses
    Noordin R, Aziz RA, Ravindran B
    Filaria journal, 2004 Dec 31;3(1):10.
    PMID: 15627400
    BACKGROUND: The recombinant antigen BmR1 has been extensively employed in both ELISA and immunochromatographic rapid dipstick (Brugia Rapid) formats for the specific and sensitive detection of IgG4 antibodies against the lymphatic filarial parasites Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. In sera of individuals infected with Wuchereria bancrofti the IgG4 reactivity to BmR1 is variable, and cross-reactivity of sera from individuals infected with Onchocerca volvulus or Loa loa was observed only in single cases. In order to characterize the homologs of the BmR1 antigen in W. bancrofti (Wb-BmR1), O. volvulus (Ov-BmR1) and L. loa (Ll-BmR1) the cDNA sequences were identified, the protein expressed and the antibody reactivity of patients' sera was studied. METHODS: PCR methodology was used to identify the cDNA sequences from cDNA libraries and/or genomic DNA of W. bancrofti, O. volvulus and L. loa. The clones obtained were sequenced and compared to the cDNA sequence of BmR1. Ov-BmR1 and Ll-BmR1 were expressed in E. coli and tested using an IgG4-ELISA with 262 serum samples from individuals with or without B. malayi, W. bancrofti, O. volvulus and L. loa infections or various other parasitic infections. BmR1, Ov-BmR1 and Ll-BmR1 were also tested for reactivity with the other three IgG subclasses in patients' sera. RESULTS: Wb-BmR1 was found to be identical to BmR1. Ov-BmR1 and Ll-BmR1 were found to be identical to each other and share 99.7% homology with BmR1. The pattern of IgG4 recognition of all serum samples to BmR1, Ov-BmR1 and Ll-BmR1 were identical. This included weak IgG4 reactivities demonstrated by L. loa- and O. volvulus-infected patients tested with Ov-BmR1 and Ll-BmR1 (or BmR1). With respect to reactivity to other IgG subclasses, sera from O. volvulus- and L. loa-infected patients showed positive reactions (when tested with BmR1, Ov-BmR1 or Ll-BmR1 antigens) only with IgG1. No reactivity was observed with IgG2 or with IgG3. Similarly, ELISAs to detect reactivity to other anti-filarial IgG subclasses antibodies showed that sera from individuals infected with B. malayi or W. bancrofti (active infections as well as patients with chronic disease) were positive with BmR1 only for IgG1 and were negative when tested with IgG2 and with IgG3 subclasses. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that homologs of the BmR1 antigen are present in W. bancrofti, O. volvulus and L. loa and that these antigens are highly conserved. Recognition of this antigen by patients' sera is similar with regard to IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3, but different for IgG4 antibodies. We conclude that the BmR1 antigen is suitable for detection of IgG4 antibodies in brugian filariasis. However, its homologs are not suitable for IgG4-based diagnosis of other filarial infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  14. Bancroftian filariasis and malaria in island and hinterland populations in Sabah, Malaysia
    Hii J, Kan S, Pereira M, Parmar SS, Campos RL, Chan MK
    Trop Geogr Med, 1985 Jun;37(2):93-101.
    PMID: 3898498
    An epidemiological survey of filariasis and malaria in Banggi Island and Upper Kinabatangan, Sabah, revealed microfilarial rates of 7.2% and 8.6% respectively and malaria prevalence of 9.7% and 16.9% respectively. Wuchereria bancrofti was a rural nocturnally periodic type with a periodicity index of 137.2 and average peak hour at 01.32 hrs; 9.2% of microfilaremic carriers as compared to 2.4% amicrofilaremic subjects had clinical filariasis. The Plasmodium falciparum: P. vivax: P. malariae ratios were 1:1:0.17 and 1.4:1:0.12 for Banggi and Upper Kinabatangan respectively. Anopheles flavirostris was incriminated as a new malaria vector in Banggi where the well-known primary malaria vector is An. balabacensis. The latter was also found for the first time to be a vector of rural W. bancrofti in Upper Kinabatangan. Experimental feeding also showed that L3 larvae of W. bancrofti were recovered at low rates from An. balabacensis. Aedes togoi appeared to be a suitable laboratory vector for W. bancrofti.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  15. Problems in filariasis control and the need for human behaviour and socio-economic research
    Mak JW
    Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1986 Sep;17(3):479-85.
    PMID: 3551094
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  16. Studies on human filariasis in Malaysia: immunoglobulin and complement levels in persons infected with Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti
    Joon-Wah M, Singh M, Yap EH, Ho BC, Kang KL
    Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1979;73(4):395-9.
    PMID: 400204
    Levels of immunoglobulins G, A, M and E as well as complement components C3c and C4 have been determined in populations in various endemic areas in Peninsular Malaysia and also in filariasis patients. High immunoglobulin levels were seen. In the microfilarial-negative group IgG was 2009 mg% while IgE was 3967 I.U./ml. In the filariasis group, Wuchereria bancrofti patients had significantly higher levels of IgG, IgM and IgE, namely, 3314 mg%, 804 mg% and 18400 I.U./ml respectively. The significance of these levels is discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  17. Fulltext Pathology of lymphatic filariasis
    Mak JW
    International e-Journal of Science, Medicine & Education, 2012;6 Suppl:S80-86.
    MyJurnal
    Developing and adult worms of the human lymphatic filarial parasites (Wuchereria bancrofti,
    Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori) are located mainly in the lymphatic system and occasionally in aberrant sites like subcutaneous and conjunctival cysts. Lymphatic
    pathology ranging from dilatation of lymphatic channels and lymphangiectasia are detected on ultrasonography in apparently healthy, amicrofilaraemic, but filarial antigen positive individuals in endemic areas. Microfilariae are distributed in various organs and may be associated with immune mediated pathology at these sites; tropical pulmonary eosinophilia is characterized by intense immune mediated destruction of microfilariae in the lung parenchyma. In the spleen and other sites, nodular granulomatous lesions can occur where microfilariae are trapped and destroyed. The finding of Wolbachia endosymbionts in all stages of lymphatic filarial parasites has provided new insight on the adverse reactions
    associated with anti-filarial chemotherapy. Inflammatory molecules mainly lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-like molecules released from endosymbionts on death of the
    parasites are largely responsible for the adverse reactions encountered during anti-filarial chemotherapy. Prenatal tolerance or sensitization to parasite derived molecules can immune-modulate and contribute to both pathology and susceptibility/resistance to infection. Pathological responses thus depend not only on exposure to filarial antigens/infection, but also on host-parasiteendosymbiont factors and to intervention with antifilarial treatment. Treatment induced or host mediated death of parasites are associated with various grades of inflammatory response, in which eosinophils and LPS from endosymbionts play prominent roles, leading to death of the parasite, granulomatous formation, organization and fibrosis. The non-human primate (Presbytis spp.) model of
    Brugia malayi developed for the tertiary screening of anti-filarial compounds has provided unique opportunities for the longitudinal study of the pathology associated with lymphatic filariasis. The pathology in this non-human primate model closely follows that seen in
    human lymphatic filarial infections and correlates with clinical evidence of lymphatic pathology as detected with ultrasonography. These studies also show that successful treatment as detected by loss of motility and calcification of worms on ultrasonography is associated with reversal of early dilatations of lymphatic channels.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
  18. Immigrant Health Study. 7. Foreign workers study: blood parasites. [Abstract]
    Khairul Anuar A, Rohela M, Zurainee MN, Abdul Aziz A, Sivanandan S
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:63-63.
    Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Asia. The infections persist as a major cause of clinical morbidity and a significant impediment to socioeconomic development. Its prevalence is increasing world wide, largely because of rapid unplanned urbanization in many endemic areas. It is estimated that at least 120 million people are infected. In our study on foreign workers, a total of 241 day time blood samples were collected. The countries represented were Bangladesh (134), Indonesia (103), Pakistan (3) and Myanmar(1). The tests conducted on blood samples were thick blood film for microfilaria and thin blood film for malaria and quantitation of eosinophiles using the Giemsa stain. Out of the 241 blood samples tested, one was positive for Wuchereria bancrofti and one other was positive for malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) each from Bangladesh and Indonesia respectively. As for the blood eosinophiles, 39 (16.18%) blood samples showed high eosinophilia. Fifteen (6.22%) were from Banglandesh and 24 (9.96%) were from Indonesia. The Bangladeshi male who was positive for Witcherrria bamuofti also showed eosinophilia of 22%. We believe that some of these cases with high eosinophilia, may be positive for microfilaria. We may have missed some cases because of the methodology we chose. Lymphatic filariasis is endemic in Bangladesh and Indonesia. In Malaysia W. brancrofti, especially in the cities have been eliminated. However their vectors for the transmission of W. bancrofti is rampant in the cities. With the influx of immigrants with W. bancrofti and in relation to their occupational nature, W. bancrofti may eventually be introduced into the community and change the whole facet of the disease in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wuchereria bancrofti
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