Prevalence and Distribution of Human Onchocerciasis and Dermatological Features in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The status of human Onchocerciasis in 10 randomly selected communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, after a decade of annual mass drug administration (MDA) was investigated, and this focused on the prevalence and distribution of human onchocerciasis and dermatological features. A total of 546 subjects were sampled using cluster and simple random methods. Subjects’ skin snips were tested for presence of Onchocerca volvulus, and skins examined for signs of onchocerciasis. Interviews were also conducted on the distribution, treatment and control of the disease in the study area. Results were subjected to chi-square analysis (χ2) at P< 0.05. Findings revealed that 122 subjects (22.23%) were infected with the disease. The highest infection was recorded at Ikyogen community (52.78%) and the lowest infection was recorded in Koti Shangev-Ya community (9.52%) and there were no significant differences between infection rate across the 10 communities (p>0.05). Community Microfilariae Load (CMFL) of 14.63 and 160 nodules were recorded without significant differences (p>0.05). Clinical manifestation of onchocerciasis observed were atrophy of the skin 54(9.88%), leopard skin 27(4.94%), skin rashes 107(19.58%) and itching/scratching 120(21.96%) with no significant differences (p<0.05). Infection rate in the male subjects was higher 70 (12.81%) than female subjects 52(9.52%). Infection cuts across all age groups in the study area, subjects in the age group 50-59 (38; 48.71%) had the highest infection rate while subjects in the age group 10-19 (11; 7.91%) had the lowest infection. From the results, its evident Onchocerciasis remains a threat to inhabitants of the study area. It was therefore recommended that there should be continues research on Onchocerciasis so that its status in the study area will be on check.