Visceral Leishmaniasis Infection in Patients from Gboko Health Division, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

A Study was carried out to investigate the Prevalence of Visceral leishmaniasis infection in Gboko Health Division, Benue State. Parasitological screening was carried out in Two hundred (200) patients comprising 74 males and 126 females sampled at random. Leucoconcentration method was used in the diagnosis of Visceral leishmaniasis in the patients in the study area. Out of the total number sampled, 26 tested positive 9 (12.2%) males and 17 (13.5%) females for Visceral Leishmaniasis infection. Infection rate of Visceral leishmaniasis showed significant difference (p<0.05) based on the sex and age of the patients with the females having higher infection than the males, X2 cal=12.59 at P≤ 0.05 and 6df. Infection rate was significantly higher in female patients with 25.0% in the age groups of 51-60 and 60˃ years respectively and 14.3% for males in the age group 31-40 years. No prevalence was recorded in males and females in the age group of 1-10 years. The presence of Visceral leishmaniasis in the study area is of clinical importance and requires routine check and public health awareness and further research conducted in the study area to help bring about complete eradication.