Decline in onchocerciasis in the eastern Usambara mountains, north eastern Tanzania, and its possible relationship to deforestation.

摘要: A survey to establish the extent and possible impact of deforestation increased farming activities on prevalence onchocerciasis was carried out in all 17 villages eastern Usambara mountains. Results revealed that disease is widespread. Out 2,968 inhabitants ages skin-snipped 1984 area, 22.7% were positive for Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae. The infection rates under nineteen ten age groups 10.3% 6.6% respectively. overall rose steadily with age, mean microfilarial density reaching a plateau at 24. Of population studied 35.4% found present least one clinical manifestation commonly associated onchocerciasis. Visual impairment (9.4%) blindness (0.1%) suggest ocular not health problem area present. Comparison results obtained during last show past 25 years there has been significant decline infection. This drop thought be due effects extensive vector population. Control transmission, which likely rise as result re-afforestation programme discussed.