Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Brugia Timori in a Newly Established Village, Karakuak, West Flores, Indonesia *

Abstract

The epidemiological and clinical features of Brugia timori filariasis in a newly established village, Karakuak, West Flores, is described. The microfilarial rate by finger stick and Nuclepore® filtration was 24% and 30%, respectively, and the disease rate 64%. Infected persons were found in every family and household with no predominant age or sex preference. Development of elephantiasis in the population was associated with residence in the new village of Karakuak, where extensive rice field cultivation was initiated soon after arrival. The irrigated fields provided excellent breeding sites for the vector, Anopheles barbirostris. People with no previous exposure to the parasite developed elephantiasis earlier and more frequently than those originating from other endemic areas.