[Epidemiology of malaria in French Guiana].

A malaria investigation in the 1970-1986 period in French Guiana shows an increased plasmodium index (4.6%) when compared with the data of the 1970-1979 decade (2.7%), an incidence rate of 8.6 per 1,000 inhabitants (against 6.4 previously) and always a high frequency of P. falciparum (85%). The principal vector, A. darlingi, still remains sensitive to DDT but the authors recommend an updating of the anti-vectorial program control. A longitudinal serologic survey, on the school children during two years, shows the epidemiologic value of an immunological index. Its permits to precise the annual dynamic of malaria transmission and to distinguish in French Guiana three areas: a forest area with apparently permanent transmission, an hypo-endemic area with episodic transmission and a sporadic transmission area.