Human Onchocerciasis: Current Epidemiological And Dermatological Assessment Of The Disease In Ufuma, Nigeria

Abstract

Epidemiological and dermatological assessment of Onchocerciasis was carried out in Ufuma. Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, between October and December 2005. Total o 404 consenting individuals from the nine villages in Ufuma, were systematically examined by the nodular palpation method. Communitynodular prevalence of 30.9 % was recorded, indicating that Ufuma was mesoendemic for Onchocerciasis. 208 (515 %) individuals had various degrees o Onchocerciasis-induced skin diseases (OSD). Concomitant infections (nodules with OSD) affected 105 (26.0 %) of al OSD+ve indviduals, indcating that certain subjects presented wh papable nodules did not develop any OSD. Age, gender and inter-village specific prevalence of onchocercal nodules, OSD and concomitant infections (noduleswith OSD) were also reported in this study. Thepractce of lay nodulectomy observed in the area is a strong indication o the people\'s attempt to control the disease. Awareness created by this study, in Ufuma, that Onchocerciasis is a controllable medical condition, may enhance compliance with Community Directed Treatment withIvermectin (CDTI) in the study area.

Keywords: Onchocerciasis, Onchocercoma, Onchodermatitis, Endemicity, Ufuma, Nigeria

Animal Research International Vol. 3 (3) 2006 pp. 521-526