LFmoldet kit

National Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination program (NLFEP) was initiated in 2003  using WHO guidelines to halt the transmission and eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Baseline Mapping prior Mass Drug Administration (MDA) showed that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in small pockets in Malaysia: Sabah, Sarawak, and several states of Peninsular Malaysia, including Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, and Johor involving at least 29800 peoples. The administration of preventive chemotherapy drugs has remarkably reduced the incidence rate from 2.1 in 2001 to 0.7 per 1000 people in 2020, reflect the progress achieved thus far toward eliminating lymphatic filariasis as public health problem . Despite this achievement, the NLFEP elimination goals continue to be challenged by ongoing transmission, resurgence, and continuous persistence in hotspot areas despite completing the recommended rounds of MDA. In 2019, ongoing MDA and Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) are still required in six hotspot localities, particularly in Sabah(Tangkarason and Bangkalalak) and Sarawak (Mendamit, Sundar, Lawas, and Debak) due to suboptimal response to the administered drug in controlling zoonotic subperiodic B. malayi infections, thus becoming a major obstacle in eliminating LF national level. Besides of vector control management and MDA, the use of molecular tools for xenomonitoring  and population surveillance also crucial to curb the disease. 

Vector Borne disease division currently implementing Night blood smears(NBS) and PanLF as their  main  tools for detection and identifying  lymphatic filariasis cases in hotspot localities. This procedures are apparently not sufficient in controlling the disease especially in the areas that persistent infections constantly being reported. The kit in this study are mainly to utilize as supplement for existing procedures to reduces the misdiagnosis error especially when dealing with low density parasites. For the purpose of LF surveillance, 200 ul of finger prick blood samples  will be collected for each participant by our health district officers during their visits in the endemic area. Night blood smear (NBS) and PanLF  experiments will be conducted at the spot. Meanwhile, the PCR will be  done at the designated district healthcare facilities. 

Baseline Mapping prior Mass Drug Administration (MDA) showed that lymphatic filariasis is endemic in small pockets in Malaysia: Sabah, Sarawak, and several states of Peninsular Malaysia, including Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Selangor, and Johor involving at least 29800 peoples. After 19 years (2003-2022) of combating LF in our countries, we still unable to totally eliminate the disease.  Recently a few out-breaks have been reported across Malaysia not only in the area where persistent infection and failed TAS-3 assessment but also in the area that previously passes TAS-3 evaluations showings us that the parasites still wandering arounds in our community, hence required  the integration of more sensitive tools to identify the parasites. The morbidity caused by this old debilitating disease are huge especially in physical and emotional loss as well as economic burden.

We are recognized as one of National reference laboratory for diagnosis of medical important parasites especially malaria. We actively involve  in RnD in parasite related diseases and also as a consultant for our policy makers in controlling and managing the vector borne diseases in Malaysia

the need for financial support to test the kit in field setting. 

As WHO guidelines for lymphatic filariasis MDA. there are 2 tools that have been suggested to monitor the prevalence of the  disease i.e. Night blood smear(NBS) and PanLF.  Unfortunately, for our country, the utilization of these tools are not enough to curb the disease as persistent infection constantly being reported. The molecular techniques, if successfully implemented in the surveillance LF program will be served as exemplary for other countries that facing same problem as Malaysia.

Using molecular technique, mapping the true prevalence of the disease will become the main focus for next year. Then, 2 cycles of targeted patient/locality treatment with triple drugs (IDA ) will conducted for 2 years with 6-monthly evaluations. Thus in five years, Malaysia will certified for LF elimination free country by WHO. 

Prompt diagnosis are required for proper treatment. In the case of lymphatic filariasis , MDA on the whole populations are not necessary but targeting treatments are more practical if we have a good diagnostic tools.

Molecular techniques (PCR)

District health officers . No incentive provided