Abstract
Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) were carried out to assess the current situation of Onchocerciasis after repetition of annual community directed distribution of Ivermectin in Zainabi and Ririwai of Doguwa Local Government area of Kano State. Certain manifestations, like nodules, leopard skin and blindness, were used to measure the endemicity level in the community. The subjects of 30 - 50 years who are engaged in rural occupation, resident in that community, were examined for the presence of nodules, skin lesion and blindness. The common manifestation in both communities is nodules with 3 (3.40%) and 2 (3.44%). Leopard skin and blindness were found in Zainabi with 2 (2.27%) and 2 (2.27%). The manifestation of Onchocerciasis was found in older age groups of 49 - 70 and 50 - 69 respectively, which give an indication that the disease was eliminated in the community due to mass distribution of Ivermectin in the previously known endemic community. We recommend mass distribution of Mectizan in other identified endemic foci.
Highlights
Onchocerciasis or river blindness is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus transmitted by repeated bites of infected blackflies (Simulium damnosum)
Onchocerciasis has shown more than just an effect on the quality of life; it appears to shorten it. [5] found an association between O. volvulus microfilarial load and all-cause mortality, claiming that 5% of the deaths in the study’s temporal and regional boundaries were attributable to O. volvulus infection
Recent data show that patients with glaucoma in Ghana have a higher prevalence of onchocerciasis, even after adjustment for age, region and sex [6]
Summary
Onchocerciasis or river blindness is a parasitic disease caused by the filarial worm Onchocerca volvulus transmitted by repeated bites of infected blackflies (Simulium damnosum). These blackflies breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mostly in remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture. A study by [17] suggests that the genetic heterogeneity of O. volvulus is higher than previously thought They believe that resistance alleles do preexist, that mass Ivermectin treatment is rapidly transforming the population genetics of O. volvulus, and that clinical resistance is imminent. The aim of the study is to determine the current status of Onchocerciasis in the endemic community after ten years of uninterrupted distribution of Ivermectin drugs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
