Vector competence for Onchocerca volvulus in the Simulium (Notolepria) exiguum complex: cytoforms or density-dependence?

Although Simulium exiguum Roubaud s.l. is present in all South American onchocerciasis foci, it is a significant vector only in Colombia and Ecuador.

Impact of long-term treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin in Ecuador: potential for elimination of infection.

Background: Onchocerciasis is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, hence elimination of the infection is an important health priority. Community-based treatment programs with ivermectin form the basis of control programs for the disease in Latin America. The long-term administration of ivermectin could eliminate Onchocerca volvulus infection from endemic areas in Latin America.

The effects of long-term community level treatment with ivermectin (Mectizan) on adult Onchocerca volvulus in Latin America.

The objective of this study was to examine nodules from Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador collected over a one-year period (2001) to determine the effects of semi-annual ivermectin treatments on Onchocerca volvulus macrofilarial populations. Nodules were sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and histologic findings were compared between countries and with historical data prior to the introduction of ivermectin into the region. Nodules from Ecuador had 10 times more dead or moribund worms than the historical control (66.

Entomological evaluation by pool screen polymerase chain reaction of Onchocerca volvulus transmission in Ecuador following mass Mectizan distribution.

The prevalence of infected and infective black flies was estimated by pool screen polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification in the three river basins in Ecuador endemic for onchocerciasis. Mass distribution of ivermectin (Mectizan) resulted in dramatic declines in the prevalence of infected and infective flies. In the Rio Santiago river basin, no infections were detected, suggesting that transmission had ceased.

Anterior uveitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To report a case series of anterior uveitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and the incidence of anterior uveitis at a mean of 3 years.

Setting: Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad and Clinica Oftalmologica Centro Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.

Methods: Five refractive surgeons and 18488 eyes that had surgical correction of a mean ametropia of -2.