Parasitological and clinical studies on Wuchereria bamcrofti infectionin Moyamba District, Sierra Leone.

A total of 302 people were examined in 3 villages in the Moyamba District, Sierra Leone of microfilaria (mf) and clinical signs of Wuchereria bancrofti infection. Mf rates were 34.5% and 31.8% for Bonganema, Old Mosongo and Pelewahun respectively. The average mf rate of those examined was 34.8%. Analysed by age and sex, the highest mf rates were observed in males of age >/=21 years (46 - 56%). The relative risk of infection was significantly lower (P<0.000) for 5-10 year olds than 11+ year old individuals. Clinical studies of 284 individuals of age >/=11 years showed that recurrent fever was the commonest clinical sign observed and the rate was 5.9%. For the ages >/=41 years, the recurrent fever was 10%. The average hydrocele and elephantiasis rates were 2.5% and 1.1% respectively. For the ages >/=41 years, the hydrocele and elephantiasis rates were 4% and 3% respectively, indicating that Filariasis is an important public health problem in the area. Annual mass treatment of the study area residents with ivermectin for onchocerciasis has begun. Ivermectin has been reported to be effective for control of lymphatic Filariasis. The displacement of the population due to the undeclared war in the area will certainly negate the effects of the mass treatment programme.