Sero-prevalence of Human Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis in Low-Endemic communities of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study reports the status of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in communities with low endemicity in Ogun-State, Nigeria. The Ov16/Wb123 biplex Rapid Diagnostic Test was used to screen 1,836 participants aged 5 years and above from 8 Local Government Areas (LGAs) from October to December, 2016. Skin snips and night blood were also used for microscopic detection of microfilariae (MF). A cumulative seroprevalence of 9.4% and 0.42% was recorded for onchocerciasis and LF respectively with a co-infection rate of 0.4%. Among the LGAs screened, Ijebu North-East recorded the highest seroprevalence of onchocerciasis (26.4%) and LF (0.9%) while Remo North, Sagamu and Obafemi-Owode LGAs recorded low prevalences ranging from 0.7 - 2.7% for both diseases. No positive result of MF was observed in all the communities screened, even in Ijebu North-East where seroprevalence was high, suggesting historic exposure to onchocerciasis and LF infection which may have occurred over time due to human  migration during farming and fishing seasons. Extension of ongoing mass treatment in endemic LGAs is recommended for Ijebu North-East to ensure inclusion in the drive towards the elimination of the diseases in Ogun State.