Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Context: Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis: Karnataka starts mass drug administration in three high-transmission districts.

About Lymphatic Filariasis (LF):

• LF, commonly known as elephantiasis
• Considered as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD)
• Second most disabling disease after mental health.
• It impairs the lymphatic system and can lead to:
  • the abnormal enlargement of body parts,
  • causing pain,
  • severe disability and social stigma.
• Lymphatic system is a network of vessels and specialized tissues that are essential to maintaining the overall fluid balance and health of organs and limbs and, importantly, are a major component of the body’s immune defense system.
• Lymphatic filariasis is a vector-borne disease,
  • Caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filarioidea.
• There are 3 types of thread-like filarial worms which causes lymphatic filariasis:
  • Wuchereria Bancrofti is responsible for 90% of the cases.
  • Brugia Malayi causes most of the remainder of the cases.
  • Brugia Timori also causes the disease.

Drug Treatment:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three drug treatments
  • The treatment, known as IDA, involves a combination of: Ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole.

Scenario in India:

• An estimated 650 million Indians across 21 states and union territories are at risk of lymphatic filariasis.
• Over 40% of worldwide cases are found in India.
• The government launched the Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (APELF) in 2018

Global Initiatives:

• Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF):
• WHO established the GPELF to stop transmission of infection with Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and to alleviate suffering among people affected by the disease through morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP).

Source:   The Hindu

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body? (2022)

1. They protect the body against the environmental allergens.
2. They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
3. They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
4. They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.

Q.2) What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? (2020)

1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3