Ozoh G., Boussinesq Michel, Bissek Aczk, Kobangue L., Kombila M., Mbina J. R. M., Enyong P., Noma M., Seketeli A., Fobi G. (2007). Evaluation of the diethylcarbamazine patch to evaluate onchocerciasis endemicity in Central Africa. Tropical Medicine and International Health, 12 (1), p. 123-129. ISSN 1360-2276.
Titre du document
Evaluation of the diethylcarbamazine patch to evaluate onchocerciasis endemicity in Central Africa
Ozoh G., Boussinesq Michel, Bissek Aczk, Kobangue L., Kombila M., Mbina J. R. M., Enyong P., Noma M., Seketeli A., Fobi G.
Source
Tropical Medicine and International Health, 2007,
12 (1), p. 123-129 ISSN 1360-2276
OBJECTIVE As part of a baseline data collection for assessing the impact of the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, to evaluate the diethylcarbamazine (DEC) patch test in determining the endemicity of onchocerciasis. METHOD A total of 226 untreated children aged 3-5, living in four selected endemic foci, in Cameroon, Gabon and Central African Republic, were tested. Observed graded skin reactions to the patch were analysed and compared with the prevalence of onchocercal nodules and reactive skin disease in the corresponding community. RESULTS The proportion of children who tested positive ranged from 25.0% to 77.1%. The values were closely correlated with the prevalence of nodules, i.e. the level of endemicity for onchocerciasis. CONCLUSION The DEC patch test, which has been so far used only in West African foci of onchocerciasis, can also constitute a valuable tool to evaluate the levels of endemicity of onchocerciasis in Central Africa, and to follow-up the intensity of transmission of Onchocerca volvulus.
