EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF BANCROFTIAN FILARIASIS IN COASTAL ZONE OF LIBERIA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (1) , 71-76
Abstract
A survey in 5 study areas along the Liberian coast was conducted to gain information on the prevalence and importance of bancroftian filariasis. The examination of 2675 persons revealed prevalence rates between 2-37%. The median microfilarial densities (MfD50) ranged from 5-24 microfilariae in 20 mm3 capillary blood taken between 20.30 h and midnight. Catalytic curves fitted to age-specific infection rates were used to estimate incidence (1%-3%) and recovery rates. It was extrapolated from the survey results that in a population of 71,000 there are 16,000-20,000 infected with Wuchereria bancrofti. An estimated 2500-4000 men suffering from hydroceles and 3700-4000 elephantiasis patients demonstrate that bancroftian filariasis has to be regarded a health problem in rural coastal Liberia.

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