Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission Surveillance Survey (TAS-3) in Cameroon

Background: The elimination of lymphatic filariasis remains a priority for the Cameroonian government and its partners. Monitoring the interruption of transmission in communities where this disease is endemic remains ongoing through surveys called TAS (Transmission Assessment Survey). The present study aimed to detect the resurgence of transmission of lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti more than 5 years after the cessation of mass treatment, in 47 Health Districts grouped into 21 evaluation units (EU) in 06 regions of the Cameroon (Adamaoua, Center, East, Far North, North West and South West). Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study with prospective data collection, from May 1 to 31, 2024 in schools and communities in 47 Health Districts in 06 regions of Cameroon (Adamaoua, Center, East, Far North, North West and South West), grouped into 21 assessment units, having already passed the TAS-2 survey in 2021 and selected by cluster sampling. The study population consisted of children aged 6 to 7 years, residing in the study area for at least 1 year and having parental authorization. The participants were enrolled in the schools and communities of these evaluation units. Our main objective was to search for the presence of the Wuchereria bancrofti antigen in each of these participants using FTS (Filariasis Test Strip) kits. The data were collected using a questionnaire set up on a tablet with the ODK application. Analyses were carried out with Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Results: A total of 32,815 children were enrolled in 673 clusters during the survey period, with a predominance of the female gender (51.30 %). Two (02) positive cases (0.006 %) of lymphatic filariasis in Wuchereria bancrofti were recorded in the Kolofata Health District (locality of Kerawa) in the Far North Region. A single case of lymphatic filariasis in Loa-loa (Loasis) was registered in the Nanga-Eboko Health District (locality of Bibey) in the Center Region.