Comparative study of ocular onchocerciasis in Savannah and rain forest

Abstract
1. 1) Comparative surveys of onchocerciasis in savannah and rain forest villages are reported. The eyes and skin of all persons of 7 years of age and over were examined. 2. 2) Amongst persons infected with onchocerciasis in village communities, the incidence of ocular lesions and the incidence of resultant reduced vision and blindness is directly related to the incidence of eyes in which microfilariae are seen in the anterior segment, and to the total number of microfilariae seen at this site. This relationship is found both in savannah and rain forest. 3. 3) Previous reports of high prevalence of skin infection associated with low prevalence of ocular lesions in rain forest are confirmed. However, in rain forest a low incidence and density of microfilariae was found in the eye. These findings rule out the need to postulate any cause for the ocular lesions other than Onchocerca volvulus alone. 4. 4) Epidemiological differences between onchocerciasis in savannah and forest areas are recorded, and their possible relationship to the habits of the simulium vector are discussed.

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