Loaiasis in the Upper Imo River Basin, Nigeria

Abstract

Loa loa is present in the Upper Imo River Basin with a prevalence of 2.7%. Microfilaraemia was highest among older people but comparable in males and females. Microfilarial intensity did not show any significant difference either between sexes or between age groups. On the overall, prevalence of clinical loaiasis was higher than prevalence of microfilaraemia. The relationship between microfilaraemia and clinical manifestations was discussed. The record of cases of calabar swelling and worm crossing the eye, which are related to L. loa, are common in the area. Calabar swelling was significantly higher in females than males and rose with increase in age. The characteristic swellings were observed mostly on the arms and in the facial regions. There was no significant difference in mf prevalence between those with a positive history of worm-crossing-the-eye and those without, but the difference in the mf GMI between the two groups were statistically significant. All cases of a positive history of calabar swelling were recorded in those aged 10 years and above. Endomyocardial fibrosis was not examined for in this study.

Keywords: Loaiasis, epidemiology, Imo River, Calabar swelling, worm-crossing-the-eye


Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 11(4) 2005: 471-476