[Advances in filariasis control and research in China during 1986-1990. National Technical Steering Group for Filariasis Control and Research, MOPH].

Based upon the statistical data during 1986-1990 from provincial, regional or municipal institutions involved in the control and research of filariasis, important achievement in filariasis control has been achieved since 1986. During the 5 years, 22,350,772 person were blood-examined, among them, 268,034 were found to be microfilaria positive; a total of 78,550,945 man/times of treatment with DEC were given (including administration of DEC-medicated salt). Till the end of 1990, filariasis has been basically eliminated in 823 counties/cities out of the 864 endemic counties/cities, and has been basically eliminated in 12 endemic provinces, one autonomous region and one municipality. Thus far, filariasis is still prevalent in 41 counties/cities of Anhui province. Parasitological, serological and entomological monitoring on filariasis is being executed according to the "Technical scheme for filariasis surveillance in areas where the disease has been basically eliminated" formulated by the Ministry of Public Health. The preliminary results of longitudinal surveillance indicated that the decline of microfilaremia rate and the absence of resurgence coincided with the decrease in antibody titre in the population by IFAT. The progress of research work dealing with the transmission potential in areas where filariasis had been under control, the methods of immunodiagnosis and the treatment of patients with clinical signs was also reviewed.