The Filariases

Simonsen, Paul E.; Fischer, Peter; Hoerauf, Achim; Weil, Gary J.

doi:10.1016/b978-0-7020-5101-2.00055-8

Cited by 54 publications

(70 citation statements)

References 202 publications

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“…Filariae are vector-borne parasitic nematodes of which several species are of major public health importance, especially in warm climate countries (Simonsen et al, 2014). Dogs are also commonly infected with filarial parasites.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Filarial infections in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia

Siwila

Mwase

Nejsum

et al. 2015

Veterinary Parasitology

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Filariae are common parasites of dogs in many parts of the world, but little is known about the status of these infections in sub-Saharan Africa. A study was carried out to determine the occurrence and species of filariae among 272 dogs in Lusaka, Zambia. Giemsa stained blood smear and Knott's concentration methods revealed microfilariae in 16 (5.9%) of the dogs. PCR confirmed that most of these dogs had Acanthocheilonema reconditum infection. Ten (4.0%) of the examined dogs were positive for Dirofilaria immitis circulating antigen (by DiroCHEK(®) test), but D. immitis microfilariae were not identified in any of the dogs and the status of this infection remains unclear. Further studies are needed to explore the occurrence of filariae in Zambian dogs and the zoonotic potential for humans.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Filarial infections in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia

Siwila

Mwase

Nejsum

et al. 2015

Veterinary Parasitology

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“…Onchocercal eye lesions may occur more rapidly in individuals with severe infection and more commonly affect men who work outdoors, possibly as the result of more frequent occupational exposure and consequently higher microfilarial (mf) loads. Onchocercal eye disease has been associated with various factors, such as localization of nodules in the upper part of the body (Simonsen 2009), vector species (Baker 1986), microfilarial burdens (Little 2004), parasite strain (Zimmerman 1992), and, more recently, with a higher Wolbachia load in the more virulent savanna strain (Higazi 2005). However, the incidence of visual impairment and blindness has been dramatically reduced in areas in which onchocerciasis control programs have been implemented (Shibuya 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone for treatment of patients with onchocerciasis

Abegunde

Ahuja

Okafor

2016

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

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Background Onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness,” is a parasitic disease that is caused by infection from the filarial nematode (roundworm), Onchocerca volvulus. Nematodes are transmitted from person to person by blackflies of the Simulium genus, which usually breed in fast flowing streams and rivers. The disease is the second leading infectious cause of blindness in endemic areas. Ivermectin (a microfilaricide) is widely distributed to endemic populations for prevention and treatment of onchocerciasis. Doxycycline, an antibiotic, targets Wolbachia organisms that are crucial to the survival of adult onchocerca (macrofilaricide). Combined treatment with both drugs is believed to cause direct microfilarial death by ivermectin and indirect macrofilarial death by doxycycline. Long-term reduction in the numbers of microfilaria in the skin and eyes and in the numbers of adult worms in the body has the potential to reduce the transmission and occurrence of onchocercal eye disease. Objectives The primary aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone for prevention and treatment of onchocerciasis. The secondary aim was to assess the effectiveness of doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone for prevention and treatment of onchocercal ocular lesions in communities co-endemic for onchocerciasis and Loa loa (loiasis) infection. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (Issue 7, 2015), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to July 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to July 2015), PubMed (1948 to July 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (1982 to July 2015), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com) (last searched 1 July 2014), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 15 July 2015. Selection criteria We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had compared doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone. Participants with or without one or more characteristic signs of ocular onchocerciasis resided in communities where onchocerciasis was endemic. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and extracted data. We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane. Main results We identified three RCTs including a total of 466 participants with a diagnosis of onchocerciasis. All trials compared doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone. One study investigated improvement in visual impairment at six-month follow-up; the other two studies measured microfilarial loads in skin snips to assess sustained ef...

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“…Adult O. volvulus live in subcutaneous nodules where females release up to 1500 microfilaria daily, which migrate through the skin (figure 6). 26…”

Section: Onchocerciasismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Typically, these manifestations are found in adults rather than children. Ivermectin is the drug of choice for killing microfilaria, as diethylcarbamazine (DEC) can induce severe adverse reactions 24 26. Additionally, prolonged treatment courses with doxycycline treatment kills the Wolbachia endosymbiont, sterilising and eventually killing up to 70% of adult worms 33…”

Section: Onchocerciasismentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of vectorborne parasitic neglected tropical diseases on child health

et al. 2016

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Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis are all vectorborne neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that are responsible for significant disease burden in impoverished children and adults worldwide. As vectorborne parasitic diseases, they can all be targeted for elimination through vector control strategies. Examples of successful vector control programmes for these diseases over the past two decades have included the Southern Cone Initiative against Chagas disease, the Kala-azar Control Scheme against leishmaniasis, the Onchocerciasis Control Programme and the lymphatic filariasis control programme in The Gambia. A common vector control component in all of these programmes is the use of adulticides including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and newer synthetic pyrethroid insecticides against the insect vectors of disease. Household spraying has been used against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, and insecticide-treated bed nets have helped prevent leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis. Recent trends in vector control focus on collaborations between programmes and sectors to achieve integrated vector management that addresses the holistic vector control needs of a community rather than approaching it on a disease-by-disease basis, with the goals of increased efficacy, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. As evidence of vector resistance to currently used insecticide regimens emerges, research to develop new and improved insecticides and novel control strategies will be critical in reducing disease burden. In the quest to eliminate these vectorborne NTDs, efforts need to be made to continue existing control programmes, further implement integrated vector control strategies and stimulate research into new insecticides and control methods.

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The Filariases

Cited by 54 publications

References 202 publications

Filarial infections in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia

Filarial infections in domestic dogs in Lusaka, Zambia

Doxycycline plus ivermectin versus ivermectin alone for treatment of patients with onchocerciasis

Impact of vectorborne parasitic neglected tropical diseases on child health

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