ENDEMIC ELEPHANTIASIS OF LOWER LEGS IN RWANDA AND BURUNDI

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (4) , 283-290
Abstract
The distribution of non-filarial elephantiasis of the lower legs in Rwanda and Burundi in Central Africa was studied to test the previous observation of an association between the disease and the volcanic rocks and soils on which the people live. Using the method of market counts, a total of 26,602 adults were observed in 23 markets; 189 had elephantiasis. Also, 264 cases were observed in specially arranged clinics, and a further 77 while traveling. Prevalence in adults varied from 0.0-20.7/1000. The areas of high prevalence corresponded with the areas of volcanic lava. A differential market count at the edge of the red soils in 2 of these areas showed a raised prevalence among people living on these soils, similar to that observed in Ethiopia. The disease occurs in barefooted people who dig in soil developed from volcanic rocks, under tropical conditions, at altitudes around 1500 m. The high proportion of Fe and other transitional metals may be important as irritant or toxic to the lymphatic vessels of the legs after absorption.

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