1. [A case of cross infection by Onchocerca volvulus and Onchocerca ochengi in Simulium damnosum S.L].
- Author
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Toe L, Adjami A, Bissan Y, and Hougard JM
- Subjects
- Africa, Western epidemiology, Animals, Cross Infection epidemiology, Female, Incidence, Male, Onchocerciasis epidemiology, Cross Infection transmission, Onchocerca physiology, Onchocerca volvulus physiology, Onchocerciasis transmission
- Abstract
During a routine entomological survey conducted within the framework of the Program to Control Onchocerciasis in West Africa, a female simulium forest fly was found to be contaminated by 13 Onchocerca volvulus larvae and 7 Onchocerca ochengi larvae. The two Onchocerca species were identified using specific DNA probes. We speculate that cross infection could be related either to behavioral factors, e.g. interruption of blood meals on two different hosts, or developmental factors, e.g. asynchronous development of parasites of the same species or specific differences in the duration of parasite cycles. Further study will be needed to determine the incidence and scope of cross infection in areas where accurate assessment of the impact of vector control on transmission of onchocerciasis in man is required.
- Published
- 1998