Studies on Bancroftian Filariasis in Selected Villages of Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Lymphatic filariasis was earmarked for elimination by the year 2020 through the Global programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic filariasis (GPELF). Mas Medicine Administration (MMA) with albendazole and ivermectine went on in Suru LGA for over six years. This study is necessary to determine if transmission has been halted. A total of 420 volunteers in 6 rural villages were examined using Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT) and routine microscopy. Physical manifestations and entomological studies were also conducted. Three participants 3 (0.71%) were positive using ICT and none had microfilaria of W.bancrofti. There was no significant association between infection rate and variables of village, age, gender, occupational and educational status (p>0.05). Overall prevalence of all clinical manifestations was 2.14% with lymphedema, hydrocele and fever/chills constituting 0.95%, 0.00% and 1.19% respectively of the total population. Clinical manifestation was insignificantly higher in Kawara and Suru (5.71%) and none was observed in Bendu, Bandan and Giro. The age group 50-59 (5.88%) was significantly associated with clinical manifestations of the disease. A total of 277 female mosquitoes were dissected and none harbored microfilaria of W. bancrofti. It was concluded that transmission has been reduced below sustainable level, however more effort is needed to increase MMA to completely eliminate the infection in Tindifai, Kawara and Suru villages.