Rapid Assessment of Loiasis in parts of the Niger Delta, in Imo State, Nigeria

The prevalence of loiasis was rapidly assessed based on the World Health Organisation RAPLOA technique in 24 rural communities of the Niger Delta Area of Imo State, Nigeria using 78-82 adults per community. The rapid assessment was based on history of eye worm and Calabar swellings from individual, as well as in-depth interviews of key persons in the communities. The prevalence of loiasis in the study communities was generally low (<10%) with the RAPLOA index of restricted definition of eye worm history (REW). The highest prevalence was observed in Egbema (8.54%). The clinical manifestations was significantly higher (P<0.05) in females than in males. The history of eye worm was more among the age group 25 –34 years (4.25%) and the prevalence of calabar swelling was highest among subjects 74 years (14.11%). Farmers (6.11% {eye worm}and 7.5% {calabar swelling}) reported the highest prevalence of both manifestations among occupational groups. The epidemiological results were discussed in the context of the ongoing community directed treatment with ivermectin (Mectizan®) which can go on in the area.Keywords: Loiasis, Chrysops, Calabar Swelling, Eyeworm, RaploaNigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp. 25-2