Studies on the transmission and prevalence of Bancroftian filariasis in four coastal villages of Tanzania

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Abstract
In surveys of Bancroftian filariasis in 4 coastal villages in Tanzania, microfilarial rates varied between 15.6%-28.3% and hydrocoele rates in males over 20 yr between 61.3%-78.5. Quantitative studies on the intensity of transmission were conducted over a 17 mo. period. The estimated potential infective bites per person per year varied at 24-189. The number of infective bites was related to filarial endemicity. The vectors in order of importance were Anopheles gambiae s.l., Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus and A. funestus. In all villages A. gambiae s.l. played a role in transmission and in 2 it was the main vector. Of the total estimated bites by members of the A. gambiae complex, 16,223 (91:1%) occurred during or following the long rains (April-early June). Transmission by C. p. quinquefasciatus occurred throughout the year. In 1 village in which C. p. quinquefasciatus was the predominant vector, the biting density of this species was 22 times greater than the biting density of A. gambiae s.l. The level of the microfilarial reservoir in the human population and the density of the vectors were important factors influencing the intensity of transmission.

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