Geographic distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Haiti.
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.
Beau de Rochars
Madsen V E
MV
Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Rue Père Thevenot #1, Léogane, Haïti. mbeauder@nd.edu
Milord
M Denise
MD
St Jean
Yvan
Y
Désormeaux
Anne M
AM
Dorvil
Jean J
JJ
Lafontant
Jack G
JG
Addiss
David G
DG
Streit
Thomas G
TG
D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006205:Haiti / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014958:Wuchereria bancrofti / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000947:Antigens, Helminth