WUCHERERIA-BANCROFTI IN KWALE DISTRICT, COASTAL KENYA - PATTERNS OF FOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF INFECTION, CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND ANTI-FILARIAL IGG RESPONSIVENESS

A cross-sectional study of bancroftian filariasis was conducted in 2 a djacent communities, Mvumoni and Kilore in Muhaka, Kwale District. Wuc hereria bancrofti infection, clinical manifestations and anti-filarial IgG responsiveness were determined before the long rains, a time coin ciding with a low transmission season. The prevalence of microfilaraem ia increased gradually with age and was significantly higher in Kilore (24%) than in Mvumoni (6.3%, P < 0.001). Similarly, the prevalence of antigenaemia increased with age and also was significantly higher in Kilore, 48.9% than in Mvumoni, 20.5% (P < 0.001). Hydrocele, funiculit is, lymphangitis and lymphadenitis were also significantly more common in Kilore than in Mvumoni. In comparing the 2 communities, levels of IgG4 responsiveness in antigen-positive persons were higher in Kilore than Mvumoni (P = 0.034), but this was related to higher antigen loads in persons in Kilore than in Mvumoni. In antigen-negative persons, an ti-filarial antibodies of 3 IgG isotypes were significantly higher in Kilore than Mvumoni (P < 0.001, for IgG1, IgG2, IgG4). These results e mphasize the highly focal nature of bancroftian filariasis in this set ting and demonstrate that anti-filarial antibody levels are related to transmission intensity.