|
Researcher: Dr. Mahbub Morshed
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), mostly caused by a parasite
is one of the major public health problems of Bangladesh.
Filariasis, a common disease in the northern part (Panchagarh,Thakurgaon,
Lalmonirhat & Rangpur) of Bangladesh, mostly affects
the poor causing permanent disability and deformity
from gross enlargement of the limbs and genitalia and
remains a major social and economic burden to the affected
individuals and families. The objective of this research
is to compare the effectiveness of different drug treatment
regimes for the control of LF and to determine the cost
effective treatment regime for the control of LF. The
research also attempts to determine the effectiveness
in control of other intestinal parasite by the same
drug intervention regimes. A total of 300 micro-filaria
positive subject samples are to be tested to determine
the effectiveness of the four interventions at an interval
of six months for two consecutive years. The first group
will be treated with a single dose DEC (diethylcarbamazine)
at an interval of six months, second group will be treated
with a single dose of DEC in combination with albendazole
at same interval and the third group will be a control
group which will be treated with placebo. The findings
of this research might help to make a replicable model
to fight LF in all the affected areas of Bangladesh
and also other countries where LF is a major public
health problem. Success of the project is expected to
prevent transmission of the disease reducing the economic,
social, physical and psychological vulnerability of
the most affected population belonging to the poverty
groups.
|
