Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Lymphatic Filariasis and Chemotherapeutic Targets

B Sharma

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the four important tropical diseases (LF, Oncocerciasis, Chagas disease and leprocy) as identified by WHO. It is an infectious disease caused by lymph dwelling nematode parasites and transmitted by mosquitoes. It is one of the oldest and most debilitating of all the neglected tropical diseases. Elimination of LF as public health problems is urgently required as it causes morbidity resulting into economic loss of developing countries. According to the WHO report, LF is commonly known as elephantiasis occurring in over 140 million people are currently infected, with about 40 million disfigured and incapacitated by the disease. About 17.7 million people are infected in 37 tropical countries of Africa and Latin America. LF causes alterations in the lymphatic system and the abnormal enlargement of body parts, causing pain and severe disability [1]. The acute episodes of local inflammation involving skin, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels often accompany chronic lymphoedema.