Human Filariasis in Africa (2000–2025): Changing epidemiology, uneven diagnostic progress, and persistent neglect

Key Points

• This research aims to examine the changing epidemiology of human filariasis in Africa and the impact of diagnostic methods.
• Analyzed long-term data from MDA programs for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
• Assessed diagnostic trends and methods for loiasis and mansonellosis.
• Evaluated the integration of filariasis screening into existing health platforms.
• MDA programs are linked to reduced prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
• Loiasis exhibits an increasing and unstable prevalence due to diagnostic methods.
• Mansonellosis remains underdiagnosed and largely unmonitored, indicating neglect.

Abstract