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Sentinel surveillance of Lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Soil transmitted helminths and Malaria in rural southern Malawi

2010; University of Malawi College of Medicine; Volume: 22; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4314/mmj.v22i1.55901

1995-7270

Kelias P Msyamboza, Bagrey Ngwira, R Banda, Square Mkwanda, Bernard J. Brabin,

Parasite Biology and Host Interactions

Background: Baseline prevalence and knowledge, attitude and perception(KAP) survey is a prerequisite for mass drug administration for the controlof Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and other neglected tropical diseases.Methods: In preparation for the first mass drug administration for LF elimination, a baseline survey was conducted in six sentinel sites in thesouthern Malawi, amongst participants aged five years or more. A standardquestionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demographic factors, ownership and use of bed nets, previous ingestion of ivermectin andKAP toward hydrocele and lymphoedema. Finger prick blood samples were collected from 22:00 to 01:00 hours for LF microscopy, malaria and haemoglobin examination. Stool and urine samples were collected forinternal helminths and schistosomiasis respectively.Results: A total of 1, 903 participants were enrolled. Knowledge on thecause of hydrocele and lymphoedema was low in all the sentinel sites (16%-42%, 10%-24% (respectively). Sexual intercourse with a menstruating woman, bad weather and HIV/AIDS were perceived causes of hydrocele. Microfilaraemia prevalence was 1.5% and varied little between sentinel sites (1.0%-2.1%). Childhood urinary schistosomiasis was common in Phalombe (94.9%) and Blantyre (26.9%).Conclusion Integrated approach and understanding of the communityKAP is vital or successful implementation of LF elimination programme