Epidemiological Analysis of Lymphatic Filariasis in anEndemic Village of Dhading District, Nepal

Abstract

Lymphatic filariasis, one of the most prevalent tropical and sub-tropical diseasesthat lead to permanent and long term disability, is a group of infectious disorderscaused by thread like nematode parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti. It has beenidentified as a major health problem globally. It has been known to be endemic indifferent regions of Nepal since long time. The present study was conducted from15 January 2006 to15 December 2006 in Benighat VDC of Dhading district. Atotal of 521 night blood samples were collected from the ear lobes of therespondents. The respondents were informed about the study through massorientation program. The questionnaires were filled up inorder to take informationabout the participating respondents before night blood sample collection.Microscopical observation showed 4/521 (0.76%) microfilaria positive cases.Regarding sex-wise distribution, it was found that there was significant difference of infection in both sexes ( 2 =7.82, P0.005). According to age-wise prevalence, the highest micro filarial cases were found in the age group 41-50 years (2.78%)and the least was found in the age group 21-30 years (0.90%). Crude disease rate was reported to be 0.96% and the total endemicity rate was 1.73%. The main factors affecting the prevalence of the disease were lack of awareness about the disease, poor sanitation, carelessness of using mosquito nets and carelessness about their health. Most of people were not familiar to Lf. Thus people should bemade familiar to Lf by organizing awareness programs through mass media suchas pamphlets, broacher, radio, television etc. which will help in protecting vectorborne Lf.