Publication:

The presence of filarial worms in patients with elephantiasis in Benin

Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with 40 million disabled. It is the second leading cause of disability in the world. LF is found in places with poor socio-economical conditions and large number of insects and other vectors that favor the transmission of infections. Clearly a disease of poverty. Ultrasound (USG) has been introduced for several years in the study of nematodes and lymphatic filariae in several countries. In Benin, detection was limited to the search for circulating antigen and this is the first study, carried out to study LF in Benin using USG. In LF, most of the severe disease patients have less circulating antigens, while USG allows detection and monitoring and also help clarifying the cause of the disease, still considered a curse.

Methods We used a Mindray DP 8800 machine equipped with a Doppler mode and a multi-frequency linear probe (6.5 to 10.5 MHZ) to search for the presence of filarial worm in patient with elephantiasis. All affected parts, the axillary and inguinal regions were examined. The images obtained from a total of 107-patients were recorded, recovered, processed and analyzed.

Results We found filarial dances (20.7%), lymphedema (26.2%), lymph nodes (30.7%), and worm pockets and necrotic pockets (7.8%) with more than one found in the same patient.

Conclusions We conclude with the use of USG that LF is still present in the area of study and affects both sexes, with a male predominance.