Onchocerciasis among the Etulo communities in Buruku and Katsina L.G.A. of Benue State

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of onchocerciasis among the Etulo Community of Benue State using skin snip method. Skin snips were taken from 1,469 people. Based on the presence of Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in skin snips, the prevalence rate of the infection in the study area were as follows: agbou (43.1%), Abgatala (53.3%), Agia (40.9%), Angwauje (40.7% Ashitenaku (67.3%), Oglazi(46.3%), Otanga(31.7%) and Okpashila (40.7%). A total of 641 (44%) persons were found to be infected in the whole area. Infection was generally higher in males (45%) than in female (42%). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence in males and females (Zcal=1.464,p<1.96). Infection generally increased with age with the peak of infection occurring in the age group 31-40years. The earliest infection was detected in children aged five years. Intensity of infection ranged between 7.2 mf/snip with an average of 10.3 mf/snip. The community microfilaria Load (CMFL) was 1.01mf/snip. Although, males generally had higher prevalence of the disease, intensity of infection was higher in females (11.0mf'snip) than in males (10.1mf/snip) although, the difference was not significant (t.cal= 1.08114,p<2.07

The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 65-70