GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN HAITI

MADSEN V. E. BEAU DE ROCHARS Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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M. DENISE MILORD Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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YVAN ST. JEAN Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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ANNE M. DÉSORMEAUX Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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JEAN J. DORVIL Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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JACK G. LAFONTANT Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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DAVID G. ADDISS Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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THOMAS G. STREIT Lymphatic Filariasis Program, Hôpital Sainte Croix, Léogane, Haiti; Center for Tropical Disease Research and Training, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; National Coordination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti, Ministry of Public Health and the Population, Port au Prince, Haiti; Division of Parasitic Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.2004.71.598
Volume/Issue:
Volume 71: Issue 5
Page(s):
598–601
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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.

Copyright:
Copyright 2004 The American Society of Tropical Medicine 2004
Received:
29 Apr 2004
|
Accepted:
17 Jun 2004
|
Published Online:
Nov 2004
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
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