‘Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lymphatic Filariasis in Urban and Rural Communities of Sindewahi tehsil, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra.

Abstract

About 304 million people live in areas where filariasis is known to be prevalent, putting them at risk of getting it. An estimated 22 million people have microfilaria in their blood, while 16 million people have clinical symptoms. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in a tribal population in the Chandrapur district's Sindewahi tehsil. Community-focused cross-sectional research was carried out. Blood smears were obtained at night between 9:00 and 11:30 p.m. using the finger prick technique. The normal staining procedure was performed and thick smears were created. Diethyl carbamazine (DEC) was used in a provocative test the next day. 100 mg of DEC was taken orally, and an hour later, a blood sample was taken in accordance with normal protocols. Despite all efforts to ensure compliance, DEC could only be distributed to 300 individuals. Overall MFR in urban Sindewahi is 1.38% (1.52% in men, 1.25% in women), DR is 1.05% (0.97% in men, 1.13% in women), and ER is 2.44% (2.49% in men, 2.39% in women). The rural population has a much higher overall MFR of 2.23% (2.08% for males and 2.39% for females), while the overall MD averages 2.17 (1.80 for males and 2.54 for females). The overall DR was 1.41% (1.69% for men and 1.13% for women), and the overall ER was 3.64% (3.77% for men and 3.52% for women). The overall MD in rural areas is higher at 2.79, reflecting heavier infections (2.89 in males, 2.70 in females). Elephantitis and Hydrocele was the commonest clinical manifestation.