Prevalence of Onchocerca volvulus among apparently healthy population in Adamawa-north senatorial zone

Onchocerciasis is one of the tropical neglected diseases that is still prevalent in Nigeria. The disease is of considerable socio-economic and public health importance with a lot of implications. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of human onchocerciasis in five communities of the Northern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of ۶۲۹ study subjects were randomly selected and enrolled for the study. Skin snip and venous blood were collected from ۱۹۶ and ۴۳۳ study subjects respectively and examined for microfilaria of Onchocerca volvulus. Results obtained showed an overall of ۳.۴% infection while different Local Government Areas had different distribution patterns vis-a-viz percentages. Mubi had the highest percentage of ۳۲.۴% infection followed by Michika at ۲.۵% and the least was Madagali with Zero prevalence. Among different occupational groups, students had ۷.۸% infection, farmers had ۳.۴%, and other groups had zero prevalence. As per the age bracket, ۱۰-۱۹ years had ۹.۱% infection followed by ۵۰-۵۹ years (۵.۰%), and the least was ۶۰-۷۰ years with ۱.۹%. The Northern Senatorial District population needs to be educated on the disease onchocerciasis as the infection rate is rather increasing or near status with modern-day technology. The government and Non-Governmental Organizations may come in to assist in lowering the infection rate by providing or identifying specific clinics for the treatment or providing preventive drugs free.

Keywords:

Biopsy Specimens , Lymphatic , Onchocerciasis , Ophthalmologic , Swift Streams , Wolbachia symbionts