Lymphatic Filariasis: A Systematic Review on Morbidity and Its Repercussions in Countries in the Americas

Zulma M. Medeiros, Amanda V. B. Vieira, Amanda T. Xavier, Gilberto S. N. Bezerra, Maria de Fátima C. Lopes, Cristine V. Bonfim and Ana M. Aguiar-Santos
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Zulma M. Medeiros: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
Amanda V. B. Vieira: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
Amanda T. Xavier: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife 50670-420, Brazil
Gilberto S. N. Bezerra: Materials Research Institute, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, N37 HD68 Athlone, Ireland
Maria de Fátima C. Lopes: Ministério da Saúde, Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, Brasília 70723-040, Brazil
Cristine V. Bonfim: Ministério da Educação, Fundação Joaquim Nabuco, Diretoria de Pesquisas Sociais, Recife 52061-540, Brazil
Ana M. Aguiar-Santos: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife 50670-420, Brazil

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-18

Abstract: The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) is a program that aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2030. The GPELF strategy is based on interrupting transmission using mass drug administration (MDA) and, in parallel, managing morbidity cases. However, it has been seen that there is a shortage of research in the literature and public policies regarding this last pillar. In this study, we reviewed the literature and available information regarding the burden of filarial morbidity. In addition, we identified that in the Americas, the implementation of structured services with regard to morbidity assistance in the Americas was scarce. We formed a review that aimed to assess the pathogenesis, epidemiology, repercussions, and treatment of filarial morbidity in countries in the Americas where lymphatic filariasis is endemic. Structured searches were carried out on PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without time and language restrictions. Three reviewers evaluated the 2150 studies and performed data extraction, and quality assessment by assigning scores to the studies found. The current literature and available information on the burden of filarial morbidity, as well as the implementation of structured services with regard to morbidity assistance in the Americas, were all found to be scarce. Now that this knowledge gap has been identified, both health services and researchers need to seek the implementation and enhancement of the maintenance of GPELF strategies that relate to the morbidity pillar.

Keywords: lymphatic filariasis; morbidity; hydrocele; lymph scrotum; lymphoedema; acute dermatolymphangioadenitis; elephantiasis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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