Mapping of lymphatic filariasis in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

An epidemiological mapping was undertaken from December, 2004 to February, 2005 with the aim of determining the prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 1,830 persons aged 20 years
and above were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using immuno-chromatographic (ICT) whole blood tests. An overall CFA prevalence of 6.5% was recorded in 65% of 20 communities from the 18 LGAs. The results indicate that lymphatic
filariasis is widely distributed in the state. Prevalence of infection was significantly (p<0.05) higher in males (8.7%) than females (3.9%). The highest prevalence was recorded in age-group 40-49 years. Also recorded in the study was 2.3% and 0.3% prevalence for hydrocoele and lymphoedema respectively. Wuchereria bancrofti infection appears to be a major public health problem in Benue state, Nigeria and there is need to include the state in the National Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.

Keywords: Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (1) 2008 pp. 55-61