Prevalence of Mansonellasis in Parts of Ugwuoba in Ojiriver in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mansonellosis caused by Mansonella streptocerca remains an under-reported filarial infection in many endemic communities. This study assessed the prevalence and selected clinical manifestations of M. streptocerca infection among residents of five villages in Ugwuoba, Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 3,761 volunteers were examined between October 2022 and March 2024. Information on age, sex, occupation, residence and clinical signs was obtained, and blood samples were collected by finger prick, stained with Leishman's stain and examined microscopically for microfilariae. Overall, 440 participants were positive, giving a prevalence of 11.7%. Prevalence varied by village, with the highest rate recorded in Okpuno (15.3%) and the lowest in Umualo (8.5%). Infection was higher among males (15.1%) than females (8.2%), and the highest age-specific prevalence was observed among participants aged 51-60 years (16.3%). Occupational distribution showed higher prevalence among farmers (21.5%) and artisans (16.1%) than among civil servants, traders and students. Clinical signs recorded among infected individuals included itchy skin rashes, hypopigmented macules, skin thickening, nodules, enlarged lymph nodes, eosinophilia and mixed clinical presentations. However, 129 infected participants had no clinical signs. The findings indicate that mansonellosis occurs in the study area and that prevalence differs across location, sex, age group and occupation. The results suggest the need for improved surveillance, community awareness and targeted control measures, especially among occupational groups with frequent outdoor exposure.