PREVALENCE OF LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS IN BALANGA AND BILLIRI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.
*1 Yoriyo, K.P.2 Alo. E. B., 3 Kela, S.L , 2 Napthali, R. S and 1 Adang, K.L.
1Department of Biological Science Gombe State University Gombe.
2Department of Biological Science Federal University of Technology Yola
3Department of Biological Science Federal University Kashere
e-mail:kennedypoloma@gmail.com
Abstract: A survey on the prevalence of one of the neglected tropical disease: lymphatic filariasis was conducted in two Local Government Areas: Balanga and Billiri LGAs in Gombe State aim at encouraging community acceptance of Indoor Residual Spray (IRS) activities in the areas was conducted. A total of 800 blood samples were collected from banocide induced volunteers for identification of microfilariae during IRS advocacy for malaria eradication campaign programme in Gombe State. Thick firm Gimsa stain method was used. Out of the above number 280 (35%) were found positive with Wuchereria banarofti; males had 143 (37.2%) while females 137 (32.9%). The difference between the males and females infection was not statistically significant (p>0.05). In Balanga LGA the prevalence was up to 144 (36%) with males having 80 (39%) while females 64 (32.8%). In Billiri LGA there was a lower prevalence of 136 (34%) in which males also had a higher prevalence of 63 (35.2%) than females 73 (33%). However, the difference in infection in the two Local Government Areas was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The result shows that, although the clinical signs of Lymphatic filariasis is rarely seen in these areas, the parasite is still endemic in the Communities hence the advocacy campaign for malaria elimination using IRS should include lymphatic filariasis as another target disease since they have a common vector; this will enhance better community acceptance of the IRS programmes in the state.
Keywords: Prevalence, Lymphatic filariasis, Advocacy Programme, Gombe