Epidemiological surveys indicate that the prevalence of epilepsy is higher in developing countries than in industrialized countries. Except for neurocystocercosis due to Taenia solium, little is known about possible underlying causes. This article reports the relationship between epilepsy and onchocerciasis in an Onchocerca volvulus endemic area in West Uganda. Individuals complaining of seizur...

The epidemiology and natural history of onchocerciasis and its ocular complications in rain forest areas are poorly understood. The present study was conducted on a rubber plantation in a hyperendemic area in the rain forest of Liberia, West Africa, where 800 persons were examined. The prevalence of infection was 84% overall 29% had intraocular microfilariae, and 2.4% were blind in one or both ...

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (USG) is known to be a suitable tool for diagnosis in lymphatic filariasis as the adult filarial nematode Wuchereria bancrofti in scrotal lymphatic vessels of infected men can be detected by the characteristic pattern of movement, the Filaria Dance Sign. In onchocerciasis, moving adult worms have not yet been demonstrated by USG. In addition the verification of drug ...

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a disease affecting approximately 120 million people in over 73 countries [1] and caused by infection with a group of filarial nematodes transmitted by mosquito vectors. Wuchereria bancrofti is responsible for approximately 90% of the disease worldwide, while the remaining cases are due to Brugia malayi and B. timori [2]. These filarial nematodes have important soci...

BACKGROUND This study was undertaken in five onchocerciasis/lymphatic filariasis (LF) co-endemic local government areas (LGAs) in Plateau and Nasarawa, Nigeria. Annual MDA with ivermectin had been given for 17 years, 8 of which were in combination with albendazole. In 2008, assessments indicated that LF transmission was interrupted, but that the MDA had to continue due to the uncertain status o...

BACKGROUND: The Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa has been closed down at the end of 2002. All subsequent control will be transferred to the participating countries and will almost entirely be based on periodic mass treatment with ivermectin. This makes the question whether elimination of infection or eradication of onchocerciasis can be achieved using this strategy of critica...

Background: Information on the impact of annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) on the prevalence and intensity of onchocerciasis as well as its transmission following years of repeated ivermectin distribution is vital to monitor the impact of the control efforts. Objective: To determine the status of the prevalence and intensity of onchocerciasis after four years of ivermec...

To the Editor: Major human onchocerciasis reported in Africa and Central/ South America is caused by Onchocerca volvulus. This blackfly-mediated parasitosis is also called ‘river blindness’, often resulting in visual disturbance in the endemic area. Ocular involvement by O. lupi, a canine parasite, has recently been the subject of focus. In Japan, infestation of O. volvulus or O. lupi is not se...

BACKGROUND Collection of the black fly vectors of onchocerciasis worldwide relies upon human landing collections. Recent studies have suggested that the Esperanza Window Trap baited with a human scent lure and CO2 had the potential to replace human hosts for the collection of Simulium ochraceum sensu lato in Southern Chiapas focus, Mexico. The feasibility of utilizing these traps in a community...