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A survey of human Onchocerciasis in Oshimili north local government area of Delta State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background to the Study/Aim Onchocerciasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria. There is presently a predicted increase in the epidemiology of the disease as well as the vectors which are favoured by the present climate change and global warming, underscores the need for more studies on the disease. The aim of this study is to examine the present pathological impact and disease burden of onchocerciasis in the endemic communities of Oshimili Local Government Areas of Delta State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two major phases. The first phase involved the visual acuity test on those who volunteered to take part in the research, the physical examination of individuals for characteristic onchocercal lesions, the collection of skin snips from individuals and the microscopic examination of the skin snips for microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. The second phase examined the socio-symptomatic impact of the disease and was carried out with the aid of a structured questionnaire and observation.
Results:The results showed that human Onchocerciasis existed in the study area. Out of the 425 people examined, 49 (11.5%) were infected making it hypo-endemic. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the pattern of distribution spatially as well as among the different age group. The disease incidence across the gender was also significant (P > 0.05). The impact of the disease such as ocular defects, visual problems, itching and skins disfiguration were more among the aged <50 years.
Conclusion:The results underscores the need for a comprehensive epidemiological surveys of Onchocerciasis in these remote communities; treating the affected persons and embarking on intervention strategies that target the disease vectorsby relevant health stakeholders and agencies.
Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two major phases. The first phase involved the visual acuity test on those who volunteered to take part in the research, the physical examination of individuals for characteristic onchocercal lesions, the collection of skin snips from individuals and the microscopic examination of the skin snips for microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. The second phase examined the socio-symptomatic impact of the disease and was carried out with the aid of a structured questionnaire and observation.
Results:The results showed that human Onchocerciasis existed in the study area. Out of the 425 people examined, 49 (11.5%) were infected making it hypo-endemic. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the pattern of distribution spatially as well as among the different age group. The disease incidence across the gender was also significant (P > 0.05). The impact of the disease such as ocular defects, visual problems, itching and skins disfiguration were more among the aged <50 years.
Conclusion:The results underscores the need for a comprehensive epidemiological surveys of Onchocerciasis in these remote communities; treating the affected persons and embarking on intervention strategies that target the disease vectorsby relevant health stakeholders and agencies.
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Type
Journal Article