Point Prevalence of Lymphoedema among Cases of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Endemic District of Varanasi in India

Vetrivel Baskar; Awanindra Dwivedi; Awadhesh Kumar Yadav; Zari Anjum; Shubha Garg; Vinay Kumar Garg; Atul Goel

Vetrivel Baskar National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chowkaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Awanindra Dwivedi National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chowkaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Awadhesh Kumar Yadav National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chowkaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Zari Anjum National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chowkaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Shubha Garg National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi, India.
Vinay Kumar Garg National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi, India.
Atul Goel National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), 22 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi, India.

Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis, Lymphoedema, Hydrocele, Prevalence, Public Health, Gender Distribution, Intervention Strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In India, LF is a priority disease for elimination; it may be neglected in some other countries. This study aimed to comprehensively analyse the prevalence, gender distribution, chronic manifestations, and age-related trends of lymphoedema and hydrocele cases reported over a four-year period.
Objective: The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of lymphoedema and hydrocele cases in this region, focusing on gender-based disparities, chronic manifestations, and age-related prevalence.
Methodology: From March 2018 to March 2022, we conducted a retrospective analysis of lymphoedema and hydrocele cases reported at the National Centre for Disease Control, Varanasi branch. Data on the total number of cases, gender distribution, and age distribution were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Result: Of the 3725 lymphoedema cases reported in 4 years, the prevalence of lymphoedema was higher in males (55.2%) than females (44.8%). Chronic manifestations of this disease were observed in 66.6% and 52.7% of females and males, respectively. Age groups 31–40 and 41–50 showed the highest prevalence among patients attending the clinic.
Conclusion: Our findings show that a significant burden of lymphoedema cases of lymphatic filariasis are prevalent in the endemic district of Varanasi, and most of them are chronic and older cases where this disease is hampering the quality of life. The findings emphasise the importance of tailored interventions that consider gender, chronicity, and age-related factors in addressing the burden of lymphatic filariasis-related conditions.

How to cite this article:
Baskar V, Dwivedi A, Yadav AK, Anjum Z, Garg S, Garg VK, Goel A. Point Prevalence of Lymphoedema among Cases of Lymphatic Filariasis in the Endemic District of Varanasi in India. XIV Annual Conference of Indian Society for Malaria & Other Communicable Diseases (ISMOCD). 2023;71-74.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202339

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