Epidemiological investigation of chronic filariasis disease patients in Hubei Province / 公共卫生与预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the number and prevalence of chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province, and to provide a basis for effective care for patients. Methods The chronic filariasis patients registered in Hubei Province were interviewed to investigate the general condition of patients, the results of previous microfilaria examinations, and the current clinical symptoms, signs and onset of illness. Results A total of 487 chronic filariasis patients were investigated. The youngest was 32 years old, the oldest was 97 years old, and the average age was 76 years old. The 80-89 years old group had the largest number, accounting for 44.97%. The male accounted for 46.61%, and the female accounted for 54.39%. The occupation was dominated by farmers, accounting for 89.94%. Patients with lymphangitis accounted for 72.28%, with dermatitis accounted for 89.12%, with chyluria accounted for 11.29%, and with hydrocele accounted for 6.16%. Among the 352 patients with lymphangitis/lymphadenitis, the site of the attack was mainly at groin and lower limbs, accounting for 96.02%. Among the 433 patients with lymphedema/elephantiasis, the disease staging of the left and right legs was mainly concentrated in stage I-III, and there was no stage VII patient. Among the 55 patients with chyluria, the dysuria accounted for 30.91%. Of the 30 patients with hydrocele, 17 had tenderness, and 8 had positive light transmission tests. Conclusions Chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province gradually decreased with the natural attrition. More care should be given by CDC at all levels and primary medical units to patients with chronic filariasis to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Since the filariasis has not been eliminated globally, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of migrant workers who go abroad to filariasis-endemic areas.