Clinico-epidemiological study of lymphatic filariasis southwestern Ethiopia.

Clinical and parasitological night blood surveys have been carried out for lymphatic filariasis in people living in two communities adjacent to the Baro River, near the town of Gambella in 1993. The survey covered more than 90% of the population in Tektak and Ketch. Inhabitants were registered and detailed information on prevalence, and intensity of microfilaremia and clinical symptoms was obtained. The overall microfilaria prevalence, using the counter chamber technique, was 20.7% with males and females showing microfilaria rates of 23.7% and 18.5%, respectively. Infection densities varied between 40 and 1540 microfilariae (mf) per ml of blood among the infected, giving a geometric mean intensity of 309 mf/ml of blood which was much more pronounced in females than in males. In males, 20.3% had hydrocoele and this condition was noted above the age of 35. About 40% of those with hydrocoele had microfilaremia. Groin gland enlargement was recorded in 40.0% of the examined. No case of elephantiasis was encountered. This disease has not received much attention in Ethiopia. The possible reasons will be discussed in connection with the results of this study.