Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission at Spot-Check Sites in Six Endemic Districts of Nepal After Two IDA Mass Drug Administration Rounds

BackgroundNepal has set a goal to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF) by 2030. As of 2024, Nepal has stopped the mass drug administration (MDA) in 56 of the 64 endemic districts and completed two rounds of MDA in six districts with persistent LF ([&ge;]2% antigen prevalence) using the three-drug regimen of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole (IDA), exceeding 65% coverage. We subsequently conducted an Epidemiological Monitoring Survey (EMS) to assess the impact of the MDA in reduction of LF infection prevalence below the transmission threshold and examine the factors associated with it. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional EMS nine months after MDA in 12 evaluation units (EUs) across six districts, with two sites per EU. We recruited a total of 7,343 individuals aged [&ge;]20 years, sampled using multi-stage sampling, ensuring at least 300 blood samples collected per site. We collected data on demographics and MDA participation. We performed the LF antigen testing for all participants, followed by night blood microfilariae testing in antigen-positive individuals. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, Chi-square and Fishers Exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression to assess outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsNine of 12 evaluation units (EUs) recorded <1% microfilaremia, meeting the WHO threshold for passing EMS, while three EUs failed with [&ge;]1% prevalence in at least one site. Antigen and MF prevalence were 4.47% and 0.34%, respectively (ratio 13:1). Both Antigen and MF prevalences were significantly associated with female sex (AOR= 0.564, 95% CI: 0.441-0.721 and AOR = 0.326, 95% CI: 0.129-0.826 respectively) and participation in the most recent MDA round (AOR = 0.477; 95% CI: 0.385-0.591 and AOR = 0.089; 95% CI: 0.017-0.464 respectively). MDA uptake was influenced by age (<40 years, AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.653- 0.793), sex (female, AOR = 1.438; 95% CI: 1.29-1.603), cross-border residence (AOR = 0.616; 95% CI: 0.558-0.681), and occupation (agriculture and housewife, AOR = 1.144; 95% CI: 1.008-1.298). MF prevalence was also associated with younger age (<40 years, AOR = 0.211; 95% CI: 0.071-0.626). ConclusionThe survey indicates progress toward LF elimination, with nine of twelve EUs achieving WHOs <1% microfilaremia threshold after two rounds of IDA-MDA. However, transmission persists in three sites, likely linked to poor MDA participation among specific subgroups-- particularly males, younger adults, and cross-border populations. Strengthening MDA coverage and compliance across all demographic and occupational groups, with special focus on border areas, is essential to achieve LF elimination in Nepal.