Parasitological investigation revealed zero transmission of lymphatic filariasis after a decade of intervention in an endemic community in Kano State, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is a disease caused by nematode worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori that live in the lymphatic vessels of humans. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to the genera Anopheles, Culex, Aedes, Mansonia spp. The parasitic disease is targeted for elimination through mass drug administration (MDA). This study assessed the prevalence, awareness, and risk factors of LF in Kaura-Goje, Kano State, following a decade of MDA intervention. A total of 300 participants were recruited, with 53% being males median age was 10 years (IQR: 8–14 years). Microscopy was used in determining the status of infection of the participants while a questionnaire was used in assessing MDA awareness, drug coverage, compliance and risk factors such as mosquito exposure and preventive measures. Parasitological examination for microfilariae revealed zero infection. However, 12% of participants reported filarial fever, while five males had hydrocoele, and one individual presented with elephantiasis. Mosquito exposure was high, with 41% reporting frequent bites, while 93.7% used insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Awareness of MDA was 35.3% among participants, with a drug coverage rate of 21.3%. Compliance among those who received the drug was 100%. However, only 66% consistently slept under ITNs, and 59.7% reported staying outdoors at night, increasing their risk of mosquito bites. Additionally, 43.3% of participants resided near stagnant water bodies that serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. The absence of microfilariae in the study population suggests interruption of LF transmission in the community, probably due to effectiveness of MDA. Cases of
clinical manifestations, including hydrocoele and filarial fever, show the need for continuous monitoring. Therefore, it is recommended to improve MDA awareness thus ensuring community-wide drug coverage and compliance to sustain elimination efforts.