A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MANSONELLIASIS

Authors

  • Barbara L. Downes George Mason University
  • Kathryn H. Jacobsen George Mason University

Keywords:

mansonelliasis, filariasis, mansonella, epidemiology

Abstract

Although infection with any of the three types of Mansonella species that affect humans is often asymptomatic, a large portion of the world’s population is at risk of this vectorborne filarial nematode infection. No previous global review of the epidemiology of mansonelliasis has been conducted. A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Original research articles that provided population-based mansonelliasis prevalence rates were identified by searching the PubMed database using pre-defined eligibility criteria. Data from each of the forty-six included studies were extracted and compared. Mansonelliasis is a common infection in some parts of west and central Africa and Latin America, with significant variation in prevalence rates over small geographic spaces. The risk of infection increases with age and may be higher in males than females. Despite many similarities, the three agents that cause mansonelliasis have distinct biological, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics. Knowledge about mansonelliasis is important for making differential diagnoses, identifying the possible risks of co-infection with multiple filariases, and addressing the concerns of at-risk populations.

Author Biographies

Barbara L. Downes, George Mason University

Barbara L. Downes is a graduate student in the Department of Global & Community Health at George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia, USA).

Kathryn H. Jacobsen, George Mason University

Kathryn H. Jacobsen is an assistant professor of epidemiology in the Department of Global & Community Health at George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia, USA).

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Published

2009-12-20

How to Cite

Downes, B. L., & Jacobsen, K. H. (2009). A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MANSONELLIASIS. African Journal of Infectious Diseases (AJID), 4(1), 7–14. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/AJID/article/view/987

Issue

Section

Review