Proteinuria And Occurrence Of Onchocerca Volvulus Microfilariae In Skin, Urine And Blood Of Onchocerciasis Patients After Ivermectin Treatment In Adikpo, Benue State, Nigeria

Fifty adult patients in Adikpo, Benue State, Nigeria having an average of 50 microfilaria/skin snip (mflss) and 2 microfilaria/milliliter (mflml) in skin and urine respectively were given a single treatment of Ivermectin at a dose rate between 150 – 200mg/kg. Five of the patients also had microfilariae in their blood. Seven days after this treatment, there was a decrease of the microfilaria from pretreatment level to 17.8% and 10% in the skin and urine respectively (i.e.82% and 90% clearance). There was 100% clearance in the blood. Trace proteinuria shown in 30 (60%) patients before treatment was increased to 45 (90%) patients after treatment. This study has revealed that Ivermectin has a great efficacy in clearing microfilaria of Onchocerca volvulus in the skin, urine and blood of individuals. The increase in the number of patients with mild proteinuria after treatment and its implication require further investigation. It may not mean that the increase in protein content after treatment is due to Ivermectin. African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 119-12

Mapping of lymphatic filariasis in Benue State, Nigeria

An epidemiological mapping was undertaken from December, 2004 to February, 2005 with the aim of determining the prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti in 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 1,830 persons aged 20 years and above were screened for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) using immuno-chromatographic (ICT) whole blood tests. An overall CFA prevalence of 6.5% was recorded in 65% of 20 communities from the 18 LGAs. The results indicate that lymphatic filariasis is widely distributed in the state. Prevalence of infection was significantly (

Assessment of the effectiveness of intervention strategies in the control of endemic dracunculiasis in Ebonyi state, Nigeria

An assessment study of the effectiveness of intervention strategies in the control of endemic dracunculiasis amongst farming communities of Ezza north, Ebonyi State, Nigeria was carried out. A total of 2,226 persons were physically examined during the initial study prior to the application of intervention measures. A total of 426 (19.1%) subjects had either Dracunculus ulcers or emergent worms. About 18.5% and 20.2% males and females were infected respectively. Infection varied among communities with Iyere (47.9%) and Ekka (43.9%) being significantly higher than others (

Pet roundworms and hookworms: a continuing need for global worming

Abstract Ascarids and ancylostomatids are the most important parasites affecting dogs and cats worldwide, in terms of diffusion and risk for animal and human health. Different misconceptions have led the general public and pet owners to minimize the importance of these intestinal worms. A low grade of interest is also registered among veterinary professions, although there is a significant merit in keeping our guard up against these parasites. This article reviews current knowledge of ascarids and ancylostomatids, with a special focus on pathogenicity, epidemiology and control methods in veterinary and human medicine.</p