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Studies from R.J. Gonzalez et al add new findings in the area of volvulus
2009 JUN 15 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research published in the journal Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, "Elimination of onchocerciasis (river blindness) through mass administration of ivermectin in the six countries in Latin America where it is endemic is considered feasible due to the relatively small size and geographic isolation of endemic foci. We evaluated whether transmission of onchocerciasis has been interrupted in the endemic focus of Escuintla-Guatemala in Guatemala, based on World Health Organization criteria for the certification of elimination of onchocerciasis." "We conducted evaluations of ocular morbidity and past exposure to Onchocerca volvulus in the human population, while potential vectors (Simulium ochraceum) were captured and tested for O. volvulus DNA; all of the evaluations were carried out in potentially endemic communities (PEC; those with a history of actual or suspected transmission or those currently under semiannual mass treatment with ivermectin) within the focus. The prevalence of microfilariae in the anterior segment of the eye in 329 individuals (>= 7 years old, resident in the PEC for at least 5 years) was 0% (one-sided 95% confidence interval [CI] 0-0.9%). The prevalence of antibodies to a recombinant O. volvulus antigen (Ov-16) in 6,432 school children (aged 6 to 12 years old) was 0% (one-sided 95% IC 0-0.05%). Out of a total of 14,099 S. ochraceum tested for O. volvulus DNA, none was positive (95% CI 0-0.01%). The seasonal transmission potential was, therefore, 0 infective stage larvae per person per season. Based on these evaluations, transmission of onchocerciasis in the Escuintla-Guatemala focus has been successfully interrupted," wrote R.J. Gonzalez and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Although this is the second onchocerciasis focus in Latin America to have demonstrated interruption of transmission, it is the first focus with a well-documented history of intense transmission to have eliminated O. volvulus." Gonzalez and colleagues published their study in Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases (Successful Interruption of Transmission of Onchocerca volvulus in the Escuintla-Guatemala Focus, Guatemala. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2009;3(3):E404). For additional information, contact R.J. Gonzalez, University of Valle Guatemala, Center Estudios Salud, Guatemala City, Guatemala. The publisher's contact information for the journal Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases is: Public Library Science, 185 Berry St., Ste. 1300, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA. Keywords: Guatemala, Blindness, DNA, Drugs, Gastroenterology, Ivermectin, Onchocerciasis, Pharmaceuticals, Therapy, Treatment, Tropical Disease, Volvulus. This article was prepared by Gastroenterology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Gastroenterology Week via NewsRx.com.
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