Mansonella ozzardi (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) in the riverine population of the Tefé River, State of Amazonia, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION

This study assessed the prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi in riverine communities of the Tefé River, Amazonas, Brazil.

METHODS

The prevalence of M. ozzardi was estimated by microscopic examination of thick blood smears.

RESULTS

The M. ozzardi prevalence rate was 6.3% (19/300). Filarial infection was found in 8 of the 11 communities surveyed, with prevalence rates varying from 2.5% to 22.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Tefé is a region of oil and natural gas exploration, in which there is a high turnover of workers. Migration patterns may facilitate the dissemination of mansonelliasis to other regions.