Filariasis in the Sudan

The author summarizes the available information on Loa loa, Acanthocheilonema perstans and Wuchereria bancrofti infections in the Sudan, with special reference to the prevalence and distribution of the vectors.

Outbreak of filariasis (Wuchereria malayi) among French and North African servicemen in North Vietnam

In 1951 about 150 servicemen returning to Algeria from Tonking, North Vietnam, were found to show symptoms of filariasis. This article describes the investigation of the outbreak. Since on leaving the filarious area many of the patients recovered spontaneously and others were cured by treatment with arsenic or Hetrazan, the author concludes that severe, permanent and incurable lesions result only when constant reinfestation takes place.

The distribution of Bancroftian filariasis in Africa

Bancroftian filariasis is widespread in Africa in the region between the Sahara Desert to the north and the Zambesi river to the south, and is also found in Egypt. It occurs in hot damp areas near the coasts, along the great rivers, and around the great lakes.The chief insect vectors seem to be Anopheles gambiae and A. funestus. Culex fatigans has been found to be a poor vector in most parts of Africa.An annex gives certain additional information not available at the time of preparation of the main review.

Epidemiology of filariasis in India

The author reviews the history of filarial infections in India and discusses factors affecting the filariae, their vectors, and the human reservoir of infection. A detailed description is given of techniques for determining the degree of infection, disease and endemicity of filariasis in a community, and aspects which require further study are indicated.