Filariasis due to XXXX and Mansonella perstans: distribution in the region of Okondja, Haut-Ogoou   Province, Gabon, with parasitological and serological follow-up over one year.

@entity1 @entity61319 @entity6600 @entity6598
The prevalence of @entity6598 and @entity61319 has been determined in 6 rural villages in eastern Gabon. Between 18.9 and 27.2% of @entity1 carry L. loa microfilariae with an overall microfilarial rate of 25.1%. The microfilarial rate for M. perstans was more variable, between 33.3 and 62.2% (average 49.1%). No significant difference was seen in the microfilarial rate with age over 15 years for either parasite, but @entity1 were infected more frequently than women. Anti-L. loa antibody titres were measured, using a homologous microfilarial antigen in ELISA. Taking the parasitological and immunological evaluations together, only 10% of the sample population appear to be free of these filarial infections. L. loa and M. perstans microfilaraemia and corresponding serology were also investigated twice in 150 @entity1 at a one-year interval. 99.1% of the cases who had no circulating L. loa microfilaria in March 1984 still did not show any 12 months later. Similarly, 97.1% of the untreated, microfilaraemic cases still harboured this parasite a year later. The same was not observed for M. perstans, since microfilariae appeared or disappeared in 26.7% of the cases. This suggests different dynamics for the two filarial infections. Variation in individual anti-L. loa antibody titres was low. The possibility of a genetic influence on the expression of @entity6600 is discussed.
