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Excess mortality associated with loiasis: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Cédric B Chesnais1, Innocent Takougang2, Marius Paguélé3
1UMI 233, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France; Montpellier University, Montpellier, France; INSERM Unité 1175, Montpellier, France.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|October 26, 2016
Summary
Loiasis, often considered benign, is linked to increased mortality. High microfilarial loads in individuals over 25 years old significantly raise mortality risk, indicating loiasis is not a benign condition.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Loiasis is often underestimated as a benign condition.
- Limited research exists on the mortality burden associated with loiasis.
- This study investigates the association between Loa loa infection and mortality in Cameroon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if loiasis contributes to excess mortality.
- To quantify the mortality risk associated with Loa loa microfilaraemia.
- To assess the public health impact of loiasis on mortality rates.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Cameroon.
- 3627 individuals were assessed for Loa loa infection in 2001.
- Vital status of 3301 individuals was determined in 2016, analyzing data at community and individual levels.
Main Results:
- A 14.5% population-attributable fraction of mortality was associated with Loa loa microfilaraemia.
- Individuals over 25 with high microfilarial loads died significantly earlier.
- Standardized mortality rates increased with higher proportions of infected individuals.
Conclusions:
- High-grade Loa loa microfilaraemia is associated with increased mortality risk.
- Loiasis is not a benign condition and requires greater attention.
- Loiasis should be considered for inclusion in the WHO's list of neglected tropical diseases.