Human ochocerciasis in Ekong community, Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence and intensity of onchocerciasis in Ekong Community of Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria was investigated. A total of 316 subjects were screened for skin microfilariae (mf) and clinical manifestations, using standard parasitological and clinical methods of diagnosis. Two hundred and thirty-two (73.4%) of those examined were positive for Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae. Males (82.0%) were significantly (P<0.05) more infected than females (61.2%). Prevalence increased with age with older subjects (>30) showing significantly (P<0.001) higher infection. The mean microfilariae density (MFD) was 3.70mfmg-1 of skin biopsy. It was significantly (P<0.05) higher in males (4.25mfmg^-1) than females (3.14mfmg^-1). The following Clinical signs were observed; nodules (20.3%), leopard skin (15.8%), musculoskeletal pain (12.3%), pruritus (9.8%), eyelesions (9.2%), lympadenopathy (5.7%) and blindness (4.8%). Males had a higher (72.0%) prevalence of clinical signs than females (71.6%) but it was not statistically significant (P>0.001). The findings from this study will be of profound benefit in quantifying the effectiveness of the control programme going on in the state.

Keywords: onchocerciasis, epidemiology, Ekong, Cross River State, Nigeria

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 11(4) 2005: 477-480