Lymphatic filariasis among the Ndoki people of Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, Eastern Nigeria.
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Date
2014-09-01
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Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria
Abstract
A study was carried out to investigate the age and gender prevalence of lymphariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti
in eight communities of Ukwa East L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria between February and September, 2012.Finger
prick blood smear samples collected from the subjects were examined for W.bancrofti using standard Parasitological
techniques. One hundred and eleven (22.3 %) out of the 498 blood samples were positive for microfilariae in
their thick blood smear. The highest number of positive cases (43.1 %) was observed from Azumini community,
while the least number of positive cases was observed in Ohuru (7.0 %). Infection rates among communities
differed significantly (ANOVA, P< 0.05). The peak prevalence occurred between 31 and 40 years age group
(52.3 %) with the least recorded in the age group 71 and above (2.4 %). Farmers and fishermen were observed to
be more infected (34.7 %) which differed significantly (P < 0.05) from other occupation. The only clinical
manifestation found in the study was lymphedema of the leg (1.4 %). Intervention programme by expanding the
distribution of albendazole and ivermectin to all endemic areas of the state is however advocated.
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Keywords
prevalence, Wuchereria bancrofti, Ukwa East, Abia State
Citation
Prevalence, Wuchereria bancrofti, Ukwa East, Abia State