A Helminthological Survey in Northern Rhodesia

Abstract

In the Chambezi-Luapula area of the Northern Province of Northern Rhodesia, 2,575 Africans were examined for intestinal helminths and 2,017 for urinary helminths. The examinations were carried out in situ in the native villages in widespread localities representing different topographical parts of the area.The average infection rates of the helminthic infections found were as follows: hookworm, 52.2%; Strongyloides, 13.3%; Ascaris lumbricoides, 3.7%; Enterobius vermicularis, 0.85%; Trichuris trichiura, 0.3%; Trichostrongylus sp., 0.1%; Schistosoma haematobium, 14.7%; S. mansoni, 6.99%; Hymenolepis nana, 0.09%; H. diminuta, 0.04%; Taenia sp., 0.04%.The survey revealed regions or foci of relatively high and relatively low incidence in the case of each of the major species. The relationship of this to topographical and other factors is discussed.Examination of 459 Africans for Mf. bancrofti revealed three positives, but none of these had definitely contracted the infection in N. Rhodesia. Mf. Perstans was found in 5.4% of those examined; this infection is endemic in the country.