Epidemiological and parasitological studies on lymphatic filariasis in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Mass Medicine Administration (MMA) with albendazole and ivermectin has been going on in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State for over six years. Apart from the baseline mapping conducted by the state ministry of health in 2010 to identify communities eligible for MDA, no comprehensive study has been carried out on this disease in the area. This study is necessary to determine if transmission has been halted or not. A total of 425 volunteers in 6 rural villages were examined using Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT) and routine microscopy . Physical manifestations and entomological studies were also carried out. Nine inhabitants, 9(0.4%) were positive using ICT with no microfilaria of W. bancrofti. Infection was significantly higher in Matan Fada Village (7.14%) (p<-0.5), while three villages recorded 0.00% infection rate. Infection was higher in males than females, age group 10-19, in singles than married participants, pupils/students than other occupations (p>0.5). There was weak negative correlation between ICT and hydrocele(r = -0.14) as well as lymphoedema (r = -0.012). 436 mosquitoes were dissected and none harboured microfilaria of W. bancrofti. It is concluded that transmission has been halted in 3 of the villages since they have met the WHO’s criteria of less than 1% seropositivity, and MMA should therefore be stopped in those villages. There is however continued surveillance, morbidity management and vector control. Keywords: Entamological studies; microfilaria; mobidity management