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Assessment of the Prevalence of Clinical Manifestations of Onchocerciasis and Evaluation of Transmission Interruption in Sentinel Communities in Imo State, Nigeria After 20 Years of Mass Drug Administration

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Onchocerciasis remains a public health concern in Nigeria, though community-directed ivermectin interventions have significantly improved outcomes. This study evaluated onchocerciasis prevalence and transmission status in nine endemic communities in Imo State after 20 years of ivermectin distribution. Conducted from April 2022 to March 2023, the research focused on three LGAs: Ehime Mbano (Nzerem Ikpem and Umueze 1), Mbaise (Amano and Ezinihitte), and randomly selected communities along the Imo River. A total of 652 respondents were assessed for clinical manifestations, and the Ov16 IgG4 rapid diagnostic test was performed on 225 participants. Black fly abundance and microfilaria infection rates were also evaluated.Findings revealed a 94.03% reduction in nodules from a pre-control rate of 25.67% to 2.15%, with Okigwe LGA showing the highest reduction (95.28%). Clinical manifestations, including nodules (1.54%), leopard skin (0.15%), and onchodermatitis (0.46%), were more frequent among older residents and males (2.31%) compared to females (1.81%). No manifestations were observed in individuals aged 5–30 years or among civil servants, traders, and students. The Ov16 IgG4 test detected no Onchocerca volvulus antibodies. Of the 1,022 black flies captured, none carried infective larvae (L3), indicating a 0% infectivity rate.This study highlights the success of ivermectin in reducing onchocerciasis prevalence and interrupting transmission. However, ongoing surveillance and public health education are crucial to prevent reinfection and maintain progress in these communities.
Author: Ajero C.M.U
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4406288108
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