[Filariasis in Haiti: a century of history].

Wuchereria bancrofti and Mansonella ozzardi are both endemic in Haiti. Over the last hundred years, these human parasites have been by turn investigated and disregarded. Between 1894 and 1914, Haitian physicians encouraged by Dr. Léon AUDAIN studied the clinical and biological impact of W. bancrofti in the numerous infested patients in Port-au-Prince. During the American occupation (1915-1934), the presence of M. ozzardi was recognized by a Rockefeller mission and a first investigation of filariasis distribution in the country was carried out. Between 1935 and 1971, interest in the parasites ceased. However, many studies of W. bancrofti and M. ozzardi and their vectors have been conducted from 1972 until today. Lymphatic filariasis remains a great health hazard in localized leeward foci, where climatic conditions favourise the survival of the vector Culex quinque-fasciatus. Urban foci have been remarkably stable for the last 70 years in northern Haiti and along the Gulf of the Gonâve coast. Parasitological indices are high and the impact on public health is great. Ozzardiasis is prevalent in the rural coastal areas of northern and southern Haiti, where the principal vectors Culicoides furens and C. barbosai breed in abundance. The control of lymphatic filariasis is now possible and should be a public health priority in Haiti.