Asymptomatic lymphatic filariasis in an elderly patient from Bako, Sarawak: A case report and public health implications
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant public health challenge in many tropical regions where the disease is endemic. In Malaysia, LF is found in small pockets across the country. Asymptomatic carriers play a critical role in transmission but are often undetected. This report details an i...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine.
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/51741/1/2026_Ngui%20et%20al_case%20report%20filariasis_Trop%20Biomed.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/51741/ https://msptm.org/files/Vol43No1/tb-43-1-004-Ngui-R.pdf https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.43.1.004 |
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| Summary: | Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant public health challenge in many tropical regions where the
disease is endemic. In Malaysia, LF is found in small pockets across the country. Asymptomatic carriers
play a critical role in transmission but are often undetected. This report details an investigation of an
asymptomatic filariasis reported by local health authorities involving an 83-year-old female patient
residing in the Bako area, Sarawak. Despite being immobile due to a stroke, routine screening identified
an infection with Brugia malayi through microscopy and a rapid diagnostic test. Interestingly, the patient
exhibited no acute or chronic symptoms typically associated with filariasis. Contact tracing among
her family members revealed that her son was also infected. Both patients received treatment with
diethylcarbamazine (DEC) at a dosage of 6 mg/kg, along with albendazole 400 mg and ivermectin 12
mg. Preventive measures included health education, entomological studies, and the implementation of
a ‘Test & Treat Filariasis’ program in the village. By documenting both the index case and a secondary
asymptomatic case within the same household, the study provides a strong example of how routine
screening and contact tracing can identify hidden sources of infection. This adds significant value to
LF elimination strategies and emphasizes the importance of community-level surveillance programs.
Coordinated efforts by health authorities, including contact tracing, environmental assessments, and
targeted treatment, are essential for controlling the spread of LF and safeguarding public health. |
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