Onchocerciasis in Taraba State, Nigeria: intensity, rate of infection and associated symptoms in 14 communities of Bali district. 1994

O B Akogun, and H Musa-Hong, and H Hellandendu
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.

An epidemiological study of 14 communities situated along the major road passing through Bali district in Taraba State, Nigeria, was carried out in continuation of a statewide filariasis survey which began in 1989. Of the 4,024 people that were examined for Onchocerca volvulus microfilaria and for clinical symptoms of the disease, onchocerciasis, an unusually low 13.3% prevalence rate was recorded with a range between 1.1% and 45.5%. Only one community had prevalence rate beyond 30.0%, six had infection rates between 10 and 29% while the remaining seven had less then 10% prevalence of the disease. However, infection was recorded in every community. The prevalence of physical symptoms was equally low. Pruritus was 7.3% and leopard skin was 0.4%. The prevalence of onchocerciasis increased with age in both male and female thus supporting the age and sex specific pattern of infection that had been reported in other parts of the state. A case is made for the continued prospection for onchocerciasis in the other districts of the state in order to identify and treat all communities that must benefit from the ongoing ivermectin treatment.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D008206 Lymphatic Diseases Diseases of LYMPH; LYMPH NODES; or LYMPHATIC VESSELS. Lymphatism,Status Lymphaticus,Disease, Lymphatic,Diseases, Lymphatic,Lymphatic Disease
D008297 Male Males
D008842 Microfilariae The prelarval stage of Filarioidea found in the blood and tissues of mammals, birds and intermediate hosts (vector). Microfilaria
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009549 Nigeria A republic in western Africa, south of NIGER between BENIN and CAMEROON. Its capital is Abuja. Federal Republic of Nigeria
D009855 Onchocerciasis Infection with nematodes of the genus ONCHOCERCA. Characteristics include the presence of firm subcutaneous nodules filled with adult worms, PRURITUS, and ocular lesions. Onchocerciases
D011537 Pruritus An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief. Itching,Pruritis
D001766 Blindness The inability to see or the loss or absence of perception of visual stimuli. This condition may be the result of EYE DISEASES; OPTIC NERVE DISEASES; OPTIC CHIASM diseases; or BRAIN DISEASES affecting the VISUAL PATHWAYS or OCCIPITAL LOBE. Amaurosis,Bilateral Blindness,Blindness, Bilateral,Blindness, Legal,Blindness, Monocular,Blindness, Unilateral,Sudden Visual Loss,Unilateral Blindness,Blindness, Acquired,Blindness, Complete,Blindness, Hysterical,Blindness, Transient,Acquired Blindness,Amauroses,Bilateral Blindnesses,Complete Blindness,Hysterical Blindness,Legal Blindness,Monocular Blindness,Sudden Visual Losses,Transient Blindness,Visual Loss, Sudden
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children

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