Pathological Impact and Disease Burden of Human Onchocerciasis in Endemic Areas of Delta State, Nigeria

Background to the Study/Aim: The context of onchocerciasis being one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria; and the predicted increase in the rate of spread of tropical diseases and vectors to higher altitude, as a result of climate change and global warming, underscores the need for more studies on the disease. Thus, this research was conducted to examine the pathological impact and disease burden of human onchocerciasis on the infected in endemic communities in three local government areas of Delta State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two phases. The first phase involved four stages. Stage one was visual acuity test on those who volunteered to take part in the research. Stage two was the physical examination of individuals for characteristic onchocercal lesions. The third stage was the collection of skin snips from individuals while the fourth stage was microscopic examination of the skin snips for microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus. The second phase examined the impact of the disease and was carried out with the aid of a structured questionnaire.

Results: The results showed that human onchocerciasis existed in the study area. Out of the 1,201 persons, comprising of 826 (68.8%) males and 375 (31.2%) females examined, 138 were positive for the onchocercal parasite. The infected, consisted of 101 (12.2%) males and 37 (9.9%) females. Generally, infected persons had manifestations ranging from ocular defects, visual problems to skins disfiguration.

Conclusion: In addition to the administration of ivermectin and vector control, psychosocial and economic needs of the infected should be addressed through counseling and offering of palliating assistance to reduce their economic problems and give them feeling of independence.