[Endemic onchocerciasis in forested zones of Ivory Coast: prevalence rate and microfilarial densities].

Since 1974 grassy plain areas of the western Africa have been protected by the Onchocerciasis Control Programme, but wooded endemic areas are also of concerned to countries in the region. Numerous studies have been performed to study endemic features of onchocerciasis in wooded areas. A parasitologic/entomologic survey was conducted between April and October 1990 in 5 villages in wooded areas located in Cote d'Ivoire. The parasitologic survey consisted of blood-free skin snips taken from both iliac crests of all subjects one year or over. Microfilarial counts performed after soaking biopsy material in distilled water for 30 minutes allowed characterization of the disease in the area. Overall microfilariae were found in 60.51% of the population indicating that onchocerciasis was highly endemic. The level of endemicity varied from one village to another. Prevalence was same in the two sexes and increased with age. Microfilarial density was the same in men and women up to the age of 9 years. After that time the density was at least twofold higher in men than in women at the same age. Although onchocerciasis is highly endemic in the area, blindness is uncommon.