Lymphatic Filariasis Research Paper

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2.21. Lymphatic filariasis in Sri Lanka The initial description of LF was given by John Davy in 1821 in his book, while he was traveling Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) (Dissanaike, 1991; Anon., 1999). A survey conducted in 1912-1913, revealed W. bancrofti distribution in Galle and Matara town (Schweinfurth, 1983). Further investigation in 1930 showed widespread distribution of B. malayi throughout south west coast, and scattered pockets in the northwest and north central regions (Sasa, 1976b; Schweinfurth, 1983). Early historical evidences suggest that, LF had been introduced in this island by migrant from India and China (Abdulcader & Sasa, 1966) or by invaded Malayan and Chinese army in southern coast during 13th to 15th century (Schweinfurth, …show more content…

bancrofti and B. malayi in the island, Anti Filariasis Campaign (AFC) was established on 24th October, 1947 to play key role in LF control in the Island. The AFC was formed as a vertical organization for Ministry of Health to reduce burden of LF disease. During that time, W. bancrofti was the main LF causing parasite, and distributed in south western coastal belt between Matara to Negombo, and , B. malayi was dispersed in north western, north central to eastern regions. In 1962, W. bancrofti was widely distributed in the island, spreading from Matara to Negombo and covering approximately 400 km2. AFC survey found an estimated mf rate of 3.6% (Dissanaike, 1991). Survey in 1930 gave an impression that, incidence of B. malayi may have link with invasive water plant Pistia stratiotes commonly termed water cabbage or water lettuce. The role of this plant for developing Mansonia larvae at early stage was established. Extensive exclusion of the plant affectedly reduced transmission of B. malayi cases in rural areas (Schweinfurth, 1983). Cases of B. malayi significantly curbed down, and elimination was confirmed by 1967 by examining thousands of blood smears (Gautamadasa,

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