Ocular manifestations of onchocerciasis in a rain forest area of west Africa. Issue 3 (March 1991)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Newland, H S; White, A T; Greene, B M; Murphy, R P; Taylor, H R
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 75:Issue 3(1991)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 1991-03
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.75.3.163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : The epidemiology and natural history of onchocerciasis and its ocular complications in rain forest areas are poorly understood. The present study was conducted on a rubber plantation in a hyperendemic area in the rain forest of Liberia, West Africa, where 800 persons were examined. The prevalence of infection was 84% overall 29% had intraocular microfilariae, and 2.4% were blind in one or both eyes. Onchocerciasis was the cause of all binocular blindness and one-third of all visual impairment. Over half of the visual impairment caused by onchocerciasis was due to posterior segment diseases. Chorioretinal changes were present in 75% of people, and included intraretinal pigment clumping in 52% and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy in 32%. Atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium was associated with increasing age and severity of infection. Intraretinal pigment was strongly associated with anterior uveitis. There was a strong correlation between uveitis and the inflammatory chorioretinal sequelae: retinitis, intraretinal pigment, subretinal fibrosis, and optic neuropathy. These findings indicate that considerable visual impairment associated with rain forest onchocerciasis is common and is due largely to chorioretinal disease.