Evaluation of Onchocerciasis Using Seroprevalence in Four Selected Communities in Ivermectin-treated Local Government Areas of Kogi State, Nigeria

Onchocerciasis is a parasitic infection caused by Onchocerca volvulus and has a damaging effect on humans. Kogi State communities have been consistently treated with ivermectin for the past ten years. Hence a seroprevalence study of onchocerciasis was conducted in five communities (Ejegbo, Enokpoli, Igalagbo, Ohuhapa and Oke-Oba) across four local governments (Ankpa, Olamaboro, Okene and Yagba East of Kogi State in July 2019. The investigation was carried out using SD Bioline Onchocerciasis IgG4 kit to screen a total number of 736 participants across the five communities. Questionnaires were administered to elicit information such as age, sex, occupation and ivermectin compliance from the participants. Of the 736 participants screened in the four ivermectin-treated LGAs, only one positive case was recorded (0.14%) which was found in the Igalagbo community with a seroprevalence of 0.68% (n=148). Of the 396 females screened, one (0.3%) was seropositive while the males (340) were seronegative. Age-wise, it was recorded in the (>50) years age group, and occupationally, the trading occupation seroprevalence was 0.72% (n=138). With regards to compliance, individuals in the communities had a high compliance rate (>90%) with ivermectin treatment. In conclusion, our results suggest that the prevalence of onchocerciasis in these communities is low. Hence, a sustained mass drug administration of ivermectin by Community Directed Distributors (CDDs) in our endemic communities will eventually interrupt the transmission and the hope of elimination will be achieved in our country and globally