Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of disease and microfilaremia in four slums of Bankura, West Bengal, India. Methods: Data on age and sex-specific of all the respondents were collected and compared with microfilaria rate and density (20 mm3 blood was collected by finger prick) to examine the relationship between the dynamics of Wuchereria bancrofti. Screening of the population for the main signs and symptoms of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in both sexes and hydrocele in men, was performed in a health facility setting (health center/health post) by physicians/trained nurses. Disease rate and endemicity rate were also calculated. Aspects related to vectors were also studied by regular collection and dissection of mosquitoes. Results: Microfilaria rate, mean microfilarial density, disease rate and endemicity rate were 5.04%, 7.03%, 13.83% and 18.37%, respectively. Causative parasite was identified as Wuchereria bancrofti and Culex quinquefasciatus was recorded as vector. Per man hour density, infection and infectivity rates of the vector Culex quinquefasciatus were found to be 14.12%, 5.98% and 0.87%, respectively. Conclusions: Using these baseline data would be useful in planning for the elimination of LF in slums of Bankura, West Bengal, India as per World Health Organization goal to eliminate LF by 2020.

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