[Endemic disease and clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis in the province of Rutana (Burundi)].

In 9 'collines' (administrative units) of the province of Rutana (Burundi) a sample of the population was examined to determine the prevalence and intensity of onchocerciasis in this endemic region. In all, the area is hypoendemic with 7.9% of the population infected. This means that, in a population of 52,000, about 4000 persons are parasitised. The intensity of onchocerciasis is low, in general. Clinical examination in a subsample of 4 collines showed that the number of people with onchocerciasis who complain about pruritus or who have skin lesions is limited (respectively 54.4% and 38.1%). Subcutaneous nodules are small and difficult to detect (20.6% in positive persons). Ocular damage, as measured by visual acuity, is minimal: 89.9% of the examined eyes had a visual acuity of 10/10. Amongst positive persons, 23.6% had a slightly deteriorated vision (between 9/10 and 3/10) which might be attributed to onchocerciasis.