New Perspective of Lymphatic Filariasis-Towards Elimination

ABSTRACT

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an important public health problem globally as well as in India. LF causes both acute and chronic morbidity with significant impediment to socio-economic development. The aim of this review was to analyze the current scenario in filariasis research. This debilitating disease which carried a serious social stigma and once thought to be difficult to treat, control, and eradicate, now could achieve significant success in its treatment and elimination globally by 2020, including from India. Achievement of success so far could be possible through series of evolution in understanding pathology of the disease, pathogenesis of the etiologic agent parasite, diagnostic tools, therapeutic and preventive approaches through new knowledge, techniques and development of investigative tools.