Detection of Mansonella ozzardi in peripheral blood in two malaria-endemic areas in Panama

INTRODUCTION: Studies conducted in 1984 demonstrated the presence of Mansonella ozzardi in the Darien and Colon provinces. Since then, there have not been further reports of this parasitic infection in Panama. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of peripheral blood samples of individuals across Panama over a 4-year period (2013–2016) as part of malaria surveillance activities. RESULTS: We identified microfilaria in 96 cases. Most of these cases were found in East Panama (78%) followed by the Darien region (22%). Mansonella ozzardi was the filarial parasite identified by morphological features in all cases. CONCLUSION: After 36 years of epidemiological silence, we identified human cases of Mansonella ozzardi infection in Panama. This is, however, the first report of this filarial parasite’s presence in the Eastern region of Panama. There is a need for further surveillance efforts to elucidate the epidemiology associated with Mansonella infections in Panama.