Loiasis assessment in onchocerciasis endemic communities of Esan West LGA of Edo State, Nigeria

Authors

  • S.I. Ebuwa
  • M.S.O. Aisien

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52417/njls.v13i1%20&%202.387

Keywords:

Loiasis, ochocerciasis, co-endemicity, ivermectin, severe adverse events

Abstract

Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State is endemic for onchocerciasis but its status with regards to loiasis is unknown. Co-endemicity of onchocerciasis and loiasis results in severe adverse events (SAEs) when ivermectin is administered to treat onchocerciasis. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that persons living in onchocerciasis-endemic communities be evaluated for co-infection with loiasis. Four communities in Esan-West LGA of Edo State (Egoro-Amede, Farm Settlement, Ora-Ede and Ukhun) were selected for this study. A simple random method was employed in the survey. The respondents were divided into distinct age groups throughout a five-year period, starting at age 15. Of these, 134 were males, 86 were females, with ages between 15 to 110 (mean = 60). Only 18 persons (8.2%) reported having a history of eye worms. Egoro-Amede and Farm settlements had the highest prevalence (7.3%). Ukhun had no record of eye worm history. Of the 18 persons that reported eye worm history, 13 (9.7%) were males and 5 (5.8%) were females (p>0.05). Age group ?50 had the highest number of persons reporting history of eye worm (6.6%). This study has shown that these communities are at low risk to severe adverse events due to Onchocerca-Loa loa co-infection, hence ivermectin distribution should continue in these communities

Published

2023-04-03

Issue

Section

Articles