Hyperendemicity of Onchocerciasis in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria
- Author:
Akinbo Frederick Olusegun
;
Okaka Christopher Ehis
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
endemics, Nigeria, Onchocerca volvulus, onchocerciasis, parasitology, prevalence, risk factors
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2010;17(4):20-24
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode,
Onchocerca volvulus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, endemicity, and
symptomatic effects of the disease in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area.
Methods: The prevalence of onchocerciasis was investigated in Ovia Northeast Local
Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, between March 2008 and June 2009 using the standard
skin-snip method. A total of 2020 subjects, who had visited various primary health centres located
in each community, were enlisted using randomised sampling, and the data were analysed using the
Chi-squared (χ2) test and logistic regression.
Results: A Of the 2020 individuals examined, 1674 (83%) harboured microfilaria in their
skin tissues. On the basis of the standardised scale for microfilaria prevalence—less than 10% is
considered sporadic, 10%–29% is considered hypoendemic, 30%–59% is considered mesoendemic,
and 60% and above is considered hyperendemic—the prevalence (83%) reported in this study led
to the disease being classified as hyperendemic. Females were more frequently infected than were
males, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Prevalence was also found to increase with
age, and this correlation was significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence of the clinical features of the
disease in the local government area was 87.5% for leopard skin, 84.16% for itching, and 75.42% for
nodules.
Conclusion: A prevalence of 83% was observed and considered hyperendemic. Female
gender and age (50 years or more) were significant risk factors that affected the prevalence of
onchocerciasis. The findings demonstrated the hyperendemicity of infection and the need for urgent
attention with ivermectin treatment and other control measures.
- Full text:W020151022507349097596.pdf
