[Epidemiological study on lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti) in Sénégal]

The purpose of this descriptive study conducted in an area endemic for lymphatic filariasis was to update information on the prevalence, clinical aspects, and awareness of this parasitic disease. All consenting inhabitants over 10 years old in three selected sectors were included. An entomological investigation was carried out to estimate the rate of vector infection. Out of a total of 3.359 subjects examined, 57.3% reported familiarity with the disease and provided an accurate description. The prevalence of clinical manifestations, i.e., mainly adenopathy, attributable to the disease was 14.11%. The overall prevalence rate of parasites was 4.7% with significant variations between sectors. The only parasite species found was Wuchereria bancrofti. Parasite load was low with 68.8% of subjects having less than 10 microfilariae per microliter of blood. Data analysis identified the following risk factors: age with 77.2% of microfilariae carriers over the age of 45 years, sex with 61.4% of carriers being female, and duration of residence in endemic area with 80.4% of carriers living in the area for more than 10 years. Differences were statistically significant. Dissection of 511 female culicidae showed no microfilariae carriers. These data indicate a declining ten-dency in this endemic zone in Senegal.