FILARIAL ARTHRITIS IN THE SEPIK DISTRICT OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Abstract

Nineteen cases of arthritis occurring in the Sepik District of Papua New Guinea are described. These are thought to be caused by infection with the filaria Wuchereria bancrofti. Reference is made to similar findings in other countries. It is suggested that filariasis is a common cause of arthritis in the Sepik District and possibly in other parts of Papua New Guinea. It is suggested that filarial arthritis should be considered more often in the differential diagnosis of arthritis in Papua New Guinea.