title: Lymphatic filariasis and associated morbidities in rural communities of Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria.
abstract: Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti is a serious public health problem in rural communities of Nigeria. The study assessed the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and associated clinical morbidities in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State. Microscopic examination of thick blood smears of 500 participants of both sexes and age ranging from 1 to 79 years was conducted. Visual observations of clinical manifestations of chronic infection were also conducted. The overall prevalence and intensity of infection were 21% and 21.4 mf/mL of blood respectively. Microfilaraemic prevalence was significantly higher in males (27.1%) than in females (16%) (P < 0.001). However, intensity of infection was not gender and age dependent (P > 0.05). The overall prevalence of all clinical manifestations of infection due to W. bancrofti is 15% with hydrocele, limb and breast elephantiasis constituting 16.9%, 4.6% and 5.1% of the total population respectively. Prevalence of hydrocele and limb elephantiasis was significantly higher in the older age groups (P < 0.05). Occurrence of elephantiasis of the breast in women however was not associated with age (P > 0.05). Integrated approach through chemotherapy and vector control is therefore advocated to reduce morbidity due to infection in this study area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Nigeria; Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Okonofua
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Christiana
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria. Electronic address: jumokemorenikeji@yahoo.co.uk.
authors.forename: Morenikeji
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olajumoke
authors.affiliation: Parasitology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria; Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Salawu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oyetunde
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004605:Elephantiasis, Filarial / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007866:Leg / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012611:Scrotum / Q000473:pathology; D006848:Testicular Hydrocele / Q000209:etiology; D014958:Wuchereria bancrofti / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Elephantiasis; Hydrocele; Southwestern Nigeria; Wuchereria bancrofti