Jc Anosike

The prevalence, intensity and clinical manifestations of Onchocerca volvulus infection in Toro local government area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Between January and October 1994, a study of the prevalence, intensity and clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis in nine communities of Toro local government area of Bauchi State, Nigeria was undertaken using the skin-snip method. Of the 1117 inhabitants examined, 188 (16.8%) were positive for microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. The prevalence of onchocerciasis was significantly higher (P < 0.05) among males than females, in subjects 21 years of age and above than in those in the first two decades of life, in nomads, farmers, hunters and fishermen than smiths and traders. Intensity of infection was light, not exceeding a geometric mean of 5.3 microfilaria per 2 mm skin bite. Preponderance of positive cases below 20 years presented no chronic signs. Conversely, persons above 20 years had higher microfilaria counts which coincides with the period when most clinical signs manifest. Microfilarial-rate and -density in relation to age were closely associated (r = 0.75, P < 0.001). The need for a sustained mass distribution of Mectizan in these communities is highlighted.

The impact of chronic lymphatic filariasis on labor inputs in the Niger delta, Nigeria

The loss of labor and work time in people affected by chronic lymphatic filariasis in six rural communities of the Niger Delta area of Southeastern Nigeria was investigated. The disability caused by this chronic disease resulted in partial loss of work. The mean (standard deviation) time that each of these chronic cases spent on economic activities were significantly less (P Keywords : Chronic lymphatic filariasis; labor inputs; rural community; Niger Delta; Nigeria International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp. 246-249

Studies on vesical schistosomiasis in Northern Abia state, Nigeria

A study was conducted between February and November 2002 to determine the prevalence and intensity of vesical schistosomiasis in Ohafia area of Abia State, Nigeria. A total of 2112 urine samples were collected from children and adult of both sexes aged between 6 and 60 yrs in 10 communities during the survey. Overall prevalence of 30.1% was recorded for vesical schistosomiasis in the study with prevalence varying significantly among villages surveyed (p S. haematobium ova and hematuria was observed in 58.3% of the infected subjects. Subjects in 11-20 years age group showed higher infection rate (48.3%) then the other age groups as infection among the age groups showed statistical difference (p Bulinus globosus is implicated as the intermediate host. Control of vesical schistosomiasis in the area is suggested. International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2006: pp. 345-349