Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Mansonella ozzardi is a widely distributed filaria worm in the Amazon region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. ozzardi infection in riverine communities of Lábrea municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil.
METHODS
A diagnostic blood filtration method in a polycarbonate membrane was used.
RESULTS
M. ozzardi was found in 50.3% of the sample, with the highest prevalence in farmers/fishermen (69.4%; χ 2 = -19.14, p<0.001). The prevalence was higher in longer-term residents (≥11 years; 60.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
M. ozzardi infection rates are high near the Purus River, much greater than those previously reported based on diagnosis using thick blood smears.
Keywords:
Mansonelliasis; Mansonella ozzardi; Brazilian Amazon
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