Evaluation of the Current Status of Lymphatic Filariasis in Four Previously Endemic Communities of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Abstract
Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is one of the neglected tropical diseases caused by filarial worms transmitted by female mosquitoes. The presence of LF was earlier reported in 4 communities in Nasarawa state and transmission was said to have been interruption in 2009. This study was conducted to evaluating the current status of the disease in the communities after ten years of interruption. Three hundred and eigthy-two (382) night blood samples were randomly collected from members of the communities of all ages and sex. The samples were examined for LF using miscroscopy and serology. Clinical examination for symptoms of LF was also carried out on all participants. The results of microscopy and antigen detection showed 0 (0.00%) and 50 (13.1%) infection rates respectively. Forty-seven (79.7%) of the symptomatic participants were positive for LF antigens only. The presence of LF antigens did not show any significant difference with respect to gender and age (P>0.05). The outcome of this study indicates the absence microfilariae in blood circulation of individuals in the studied communities suggesting that the disease has been interrupted. This shows that there is good prospect for elimination of LF in the stuyd area and Nigeria subject to commitment.
Key words: Lymphatic Filariasis, Evaluation, Endemic, Interruption. Elimination
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