Occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi diagnosed using a polycarbonate membrane in a riverside population of Lábrea in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

Introduction: Mansonella ozzardi is a widely distributed filaria worm in the Amazon region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. ozzardi infection in riverine communities of Labrea municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil. Methods: A diagnostic blood filtration method in a polycarbonate membrane was used. Results: M. ozzardi was found in 50.3% of the sample, with the highest prevalence in farmers/fishermen (69.4%; chi(2) = -19.14, p < 0.001). The prevalence was higher in longer-term residents (>= 11 years; 60.2%). Conclusions: M. ozzardi infection rates are high near the Purus River, much greater than those previously reported based on diagnosis using thick blood smears.