Geographic distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Haiti

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2004 Nov;71(5):598-601.

Abstract

Although lymphatic filariasis is known to have been endemic in Haiti since at least the mid 1700s, a national filariasis survey has never been conducted. As a first step in the national program to eliminate filariasis, we collected blood in January-April 2001 from 50-250 school children (6-11 years old) in all 133 communes of the country using an adaptation of the lot quality assurance sampling method. Of 22,365 children tested, 901 (4.0%) were positive for circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen. When weighted by commune population, the overall national antigen prevalence in this age group was 7.3%. Infected children were found in 117 (87.9%) communes, the most heavily affected areas being concentrated in the northern part of the country. In only 16 (12.1%) communes were all 250 children antigen negative. Thus, W. bancrofti infection in Haiti is much more widespread than previously realized; virtually the entire population of the country may be considered at risk of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Helminth / blood
  • Child
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / blood
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / epidemiology*
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / etiology
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Haiti / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Wuchereria bancrofti / immunology
  • Wuchereria bancrofti / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth