Prevalence of Mansonella perstans in Ogoniland, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out between 2004 and 2005 to determine the prevalence and infection intensity of Mansonella perstans in seven communities (Boue, Kpong, Nyokuru, Kalaoku. Bori, Kono and Kaani) of Ogoniland, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Thick
and thin blood smear techniques were adopted. The study showed a low prevalence of 14.9% with a mean intensity of 2.8 microfilariae per field of 3,860 persons examined. Both the prevalence and infection intensity of M. perstans varied among the communities, sex, age and occupational groups. Though infection may produce mild inflammatory reactions which appear transient in nature and thereby unnoticeable by the infected individuals, the control or elimination of perstans filariasis is advocated.

Keywords: Mansonella perstans, micro prevalence, Ogoniland, Niger Delta.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 28 (2) 2007: pp. 99-102