Mansonella perstans , Onchocerca volvulus and Strongyloides stercoralis infections in rural populations in central and southern Togo

Parasite Epidemiology and Control
Francois KorbmacherCarsten Köhler

Abstract

Mansonella perstans, Onchocerca volvulus and Strongyloides stercoralis are widespread helminth parasites in the tropics. Their distribution remains difficult to determine as it may change during national disease control programs and with regional mass drug administration (MDA). Epidemiological surveys are of importance to evaluate the geographical distribution of these helminth parasites and the diseases they may cause, however, up to date epidemiological evaluations on M. perstans and S. stercoralis in Togo are rare, and surveys on O. volvulus are important especially under the aspect of MDA of ivermectin which is performed since decades. Dry blood samples (n = 924) were collected from rural populations in the Régions Central and Plateaux in Togo, and analyzed by parasite-specific real-time PCR and ELISA techniques. Dry blood samples from 733 persons where investigated by real-time PCR tested for DNA of blood-circulating M. perstans microfilaria, and a prevalence of 14.9% was detected. Distinct differences were observed between genders, positivity was higher in men increasing with age, and prevalence was highest in the Région Plateaux in Togo. IgG4 responses to O. volvulus antigen (OvAg) were studied in 924 persons and 59% wer...Continue Reading

Methods Mentioned

BETA
biopsies
ELISA
biopsy
PCR
ELISAs
MDA
immunoprecipitation

Software Mentioned

SAS JMP
Primer3

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Anthelmintics

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