Intensity profile of lymphatic filariasis among community members of Yewa South Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

An epidemiological study was conducted in four communities of Yewa-South Local Government Area of Ogun State to determine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis. Also investigated was the intensity among the study participants. Three hundred and sixty-two participants of both sexes and age ranging from 5 to 85 years were examined. Blood samples for parasitological examination were obtained from consenting participants between 21.00 and 02.00 a.m. The samples were prepared using thick blood smear technique. The data obtained were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. The result showed that, from the 362 blood samples examined, 186 were positive with an overall of 51.4%. Microfilaraemic prevalence was not significantly related (p>0.05) by sex category with male having 78 (21.5%) and female 108 (29.3%). However, there was significant (p<0.05) relationship in the prevalence by age groups as Community members within the age group =50 had the highest prevalence of 52(14.4%) while the 20-29 years recorded the least prevalence of 18(5.0%). In terms of microfilaraemic load, all females and males who tested positive for lymphatic filariasis with 50.8% having light intensity of < 50mf/ml. There was no significant relationship between prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and communities studied (P>0.05). The high prevalence observed in these communities could be due to bushy vegetation. There is the important need for increased and consistent treatment with Albendazole and health education in all affected communitiesto reduce prevalence and possible elimination of the parasite.
 Keywords: Intensity, Lymphatic filariasis, prevalence, Ogun State, Nigeria