Concurrent parasitic infections among patients with onchocerciasis and controls in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Research was performed into the prevalence of concurrent parasite infection among 23 patients with onchocerciasis and 13 onchocerciasis-negative controls in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Stools, urine sediments and bloodsmears were examined for ova, parasites and microfilariae. Results showed the presence of Hookworm, Schistosoma mansoni, Trichuris trichiura and Ascaris lumbricoides. A positive relationship was found between O. volvulus and Hookworm infection. The effects of polyparasitism on immunodiagnosis and the need for further research is discussed.