A study of filarial transmission in a non-endemic area of Pathankot (Punjab).

ABSTRACT

A filariasis survey was conducted in July 1998 in Pathankot town of Punjab covering a population of 28, 041. A total of 2136 blood smears were collected from migratory and local inhabitants. Microfilaria (Mf) rate and mean Mf density was 1.19 and 15.05 respectively. Disease rate was nil. All the 20 microfilaria carriers detected were known to hall from filaria endemic areas of different states. Mf rate was highest in 20-49 years age-group, whereas Mf density was high in younger age group. Wuchereria bancrofti was the only infection encountered. 10 Men Hour Density of Culex quinquefasciatus ranged between 343 in the North Command unit to 400 in an engineering unit. A total of 339 female Culex quinquefasciatus were dissected. None was found positive for human microfilaria parasite, thus negating any indigenous filariasis transmission in this town. These findings were compared to earlier surveys in the same area and other non-endemic areas. Non-endemic areas continue to be non-endemic for filariasis despite considerable increase in MF rate among migratory population and vector density.