Diagnostic characteristics of filariasis in persons returning from the tropics
Mikhaĭlova, V.A.; Lepneva, S.M.; Subi, V.O.; Firsova, R.A.; Supriaga, V.G.
Meditsinskaia Parazitologiia i Parazitarnye Bolezni 49(5): 51-56
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-8326 PMID: 6932566 Document Number: 162998
A specific survey for filariasis was undertaken of 314 specialists who had worked at the ship repair base in Equatorial Africa (Equatorial Guinea) and 220 sailors from crews of tropical line ships. The study revealed that of this group 97 specialists and 3 sailors had clinical signs of filariasis. In 21 patients, filariasis was confirmed parasitologically, including 10 patients with onchocercosis, 6 with loasis, 3 with dipetalonematosis and 2 with wuchereriasis; in the remaining 79 patients the diagnosis was made from clinico-epidemiological data and positive diethylcarbamasine test of Mazotti. Most regular symptoms were blood eosinophilia (89%), skin eruptions (85%), skin itching (82%) and local edemas (mostly in the extremities (26%)). The 1st clinical manifestations of filariasis were reported within 3 mo. to 3 yr residence in the focus.