Bancroftian filarlasis in Sri Lanka: an overview of current knowledge

Bancroftian filariasis is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka, where approximately one fifth of the total population in the country living in the most densely populated Western and Southern provinces are considered to be at risk of developing the infection. Available historical evidence indicate that ~ancroftianf ilariasis was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 15th century AD. The role of the Anti- Filariasis Campaign which was inaugurated for the purpose of controlling filariasis in the country is discussed. Also the available literature on entomological and epidemiological aspects of the disease is reviewed.