Geographic distribution of lymphatic filariasis in Haiti

• Published in: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene Vol. 71; no. 5; p. 598
• Main Authors: Beau de Rochars, Madsen V E, Milord, M Denise, St Jean, Yvan, Désormeaux, Anne M, Dorvil, Jean J, Lafontant, Jack G, Addiss, David G, Streit, Thomas G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-11-2004
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Helminth - blood; Child; Elephantiasis, Filarial - blood; Elephantiasis, Filarial - epidemiology; Elephantiasis, Filarial - etiology; Female; Geography; Haiti - epidemiology; Humans; Male; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Wuchereria bancrofti - immunology; Wuchereria bancrofti - isolation & purification; Haiti
• ISSN: 0002-9637
• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2004.71.598

Although lymphatic filariasis is known to have been endemic in Haiti since at least the mid 1700s, a national filariasis survey has never been conducted. As a first step in the national program to eliminate filariasis, we collected blood in January-April 2001 from 50-250 school children (6-11 years old) in all 133 communes of the country using an adaptation of the lot quality assurance sampling method. Of 22,365 children tested, 901 (4.0%) were positive for circulating Wuchereria bancrofti antigen. When weighted by commune population, the overall national antigen prevalence in this age group was 7.3%. Infected children were found in 117 (87.9%) communes, the most heavily affected areas being concentrated in the northern part of the country. In only 16 (12.1%) communes were all 250 children antigen negative. Thus, W. bancrofti infection in Haiti is much more widespread than previously realized; virtually the entire population of the country may be considered at risk of infection.