IDENTIFICATION OF DRACUNCULUS-MEDINENSIS INTERMEDIATE HOST IN SOUTHERN BENIN (WEST AFRICA)

An epidemiological survey linked to a limnological study was conducted in four dracunculiasis highly endemic villages of Southern Benin. Guinea worm larvae releasing period was determined and correlated with density of Cyclopoids found 11 or 12 months before to identify species that could be involved in dracunculiasis transmission. Research of naturally infected Cyclopoids and experimental infection tests were performed in the same times. From 14 species and 2 subspecies found in the studied villages, 4 were intermediate host of D. medinensis. Thermocyclops oblongatus appeared to be the most common intermediate host, specially in ponds. Th. neglectus prolatus was frequent and Th. crassus consimilis should be considered as a minor intermediate host. Th. emini is a good intermediate host and was encountered in rivers when stream stopped after the beginning of dry season.