Identification of filaria species with microscopic methods in Bintan Island, Province of Riau Islands

Abstract

Objective: The regency of Bintan Island is on the coast, mangrove forests area, so it becomes a potential area for breeding places of filariasis vector. This study aims to determine the number of filariasis cases based on age, sex, occupation and microscopic species identification of microphilaria species. Methods: Blood samples were collected for identification by microscopics with thick blood preparation and Giemsa staining. Results: Total of 20 blood samples were collected and tested. Filariasis case in Bintan Regency Riau Islands Province were founded in 3 Districts including Bintan Bay (42%), Seri Lobam (14%) and the highest filariasis incidence rate was in TelukSebongSub-district (44%). Filariasis cases were more common in males than females. The age group of 15 -60 years suffered most from filariasis. More filariasis patients work outside the room than in indoor work. Of the 20 peripheral blood samples, 3 (15%) were found positive for filaria and 17 (85%) negative. The species showed the cause of filariasis is Brugia malayi, no other specie was found. Factors that affect the high incidence of filariasis includeed climate, geography, biological environment, forests, beaches, swamps, vectors (mosquitoes), work, knowledge, attitude and behavior. Conclusions: Brugia malayi is usually found in coastal areas, river basins, swamps and rice fields.