[Preliminary results in the clinical, epidemiological and parasitological study of Bancrofti filariasis in Madagascar].

In 1958, a large study on the distribution of Bancroft filariasis was set up in Madagascar. In order to update these data, the authors have studied in the same areas the parasitological and clinical prevalence of Bancroft filariasis. Here are the preliminary results of this study, concerning 1862 people, aged 10 years and more. The mean prevalence rate of microfilaria-carriers was of 22.9%, and the average parasitic density was of 3.6 parasits/20 microliters of blood. The prevalence rate of chronic clinical symptoms was of 14.7% for men (elephantiasis, hydroceles, chyluria) and of 2% for women (elephantiasis). These were usually mild symptoms, which very little impact on way of life.