Chronic clinical manifestations related to Wucherieria bancrofti infection in a highly endemic area in Kenya

Clinical examinations were conducted in an effort to provide baseline data for a pilot filariasis elimination programme implemented in a Wuchereria bancrofti-endemic focus in Malindi district, Kenya. Of 186 mates aged 15 years and above examined, 64 individuals (34.4%) had hydrocele, and the prevalence of the manifestation in those above 40 years old was 55.3%. The prevalence of Leg lymphoedema in persons aged 15 years and above was 8.5%, with a higher rate in mates (12.6%) than in females (5.7%). The overall prevalence of inguinal adenopathy was 8.6%, and mates had a significantly higher (12.9%) prevalence of adenopathy than females (5.1%) (P < 0.001). The data in the present study provided support for consideration of filarial infection as a possible cause of inguinal lymphadenopathy in bancroftian filariasis-endemic areas. The results of this study also indicate that Lymphatic filariasis is a serious public health problem in the northern coastal areas and morbidity control programmes should be implemented to alleviate the suffering of those affected. (c) 2006 Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.