Chronic clinical manifestations related to Wuchereria bancrofti infection in a highly endemic area in Kenya.
Clinical examinations were conducted in an effort to provide baseline data for a pilot filariasis elimination programme implemented in a Wuchereria bancrofti-endemic focus in Malindi district, Kenya. Of 186 males aged 15 years and above examined, 64 individuals (34.4%) had hydrocele, and the prevalence of the manifestation in those above 40 years old was 55.3%. The prevalence of leg lymphoedema in persons aged 15 years and above was 8.5%, with a higher rate in males (12.6%) than in females (5.7%). The overall prevalence of inguinal adenopathy was 8.6%, and males had a significantly higher (12.9%) prevalence of adenopathy than females (5.1%) (P<0.001). The data in the present study provided support for consideration of filarial infection as a possible cause of inguinal lymphadenopathy in bancroftian filariasis-endemic areas. The results of this study also indicate that lymphatic filariasis is a serious public health problem in the northern coastal areas and morbidity control programmes should be implemented to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Njenga
S M
SM
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Mbagathi Road, Nairobi, Kenya. snjenga@kemri-nuitm.or.ke
Wamae
C N
CN
Njomo
D W
DW
Mwandawiro
C S
CS
Molyneux
D H
DH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007264:Inguinal Canal; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D007866:Leg; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000469:parasitology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000469:parasitology*; D014958:Wuchereria bancrofti