The presence of filarial worms in patients with elephantiasis in Benin

Luc H. O. Dakossi; Mathieu K. Oke; Sedaminou J. Gbenoudon; Malomon A. Bonou; Bertin A. Gbaguidi

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263583

Authors

Luc H. O. Dakossi Department of Medical Imaging, Engineering and Radiology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
Mathieu K. Oke Department of Medical Imaging, Engineering and Radiology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
Sedaminou J. Gbenoudon Laboratory of Immunology of Infectious and Allergic Diseases (IMMIA), FAST, UAC, Cotonou, Benin
Malomon A. Bonou Non communicable Diseases and Cancer Research Unit, Laboratory of Applied Biology Research, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi University of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin
Bertin A. Gbaguidi Autonomous Center of Radiology of the Polytechnic School of Abomey Calavi (EPAC), UAC, Benin

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263583

Keywords:

Lymphatic-filariasis, Ultrasound, Benin, Elephantiasis, Atlantic-department

Abstract

Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with 40 million disabled. It is the second leading cause of disability in the world. LF is found in places with poor socio-economical conditions and large number of insects and other vectors that favor the transmission of infections. Clearly a disease of poverty. Ultrasound (USG) has been introduced for several years in the study of nematodes and lymphatic filariae in several countries. In Benin, detection was limited to the search for circulating antigen and this is the first study, carried out to study LF in Benin using USG. In LF, most of the severe disease patients have less circulating antigens, while USG allows detection and monitoring and also help clarifying the cause of the disease, still considered a curse.

Methods: We used a Mindray DP 8800 machine equipped with a Doppler mode and a multi-frequency linear probe (6.5 to 10.5 MHZ) to search for the presence of filarial worm in patient with elephantiasis. All affected parts, the axillary and inguinal regions were examined. The images obtained from a total of 107-patients were recorded, recovered, processed and analyzed.

Results: We found filarial dances (20.7%), lymphedema (26.2%), lymph nodes (30.7%), and worm pockets and necrotic pockets (7.8%) with more than one found in the same patient.

Conclusions: We conclude with the use of USG that LF is still present in the area of study and affects both sexes, with a male predominance.

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