Density-dependent mortality of the human host in onchocerciasis: relationships between microfilarial load and excess mortality.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The parasite Onchocerca volvulus has, until recently, been regarded as the cause of a chronic yet non-fatal condition. Recent analyses, however, have indicated that in addition to blindness, the parasite can also be directly associated with human mortality. Such analyses also suggested that the relationship between microfilarial load and excess mortality might be non-linear. Determining the functional form of such relationship would contribute to quantify the population impact of mass microfilaricidal treatment.

Methodology/principal findings

Data from the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP) collected from 1974 through 2001 were used to determine functional relationships between microfilarial load and excess mortality of the human host. The goodn

SUBMITTER: Walker M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3313942 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature