+44 330 818 7254Ebenezer, A., Amadi, E.C. and Agi, P.
The study investigates the relationship between microfilaria density, antigenemia and clinical signs of Bancroftian filariasis in Epie creek communities, June 2009 – July 2010. A standardized laboratory method for microfilariamia and rapid diagnostic method for circulating filarial antigen was adopted. Prevalence rates of microfilaria (MF) and circulating filarial antigen (CFA) in 1803 consenting individuals were 7.0% and 11.3% respectively. Male, (MF: 7.5%, CFA: 11.5%) were more infected than female (MF: 6.5%, CFA; 11.0%) (P>0.05). The microfilaria density and circulating filarial antigen decreased with age and confirms the hypothesis of immunological tolerance during high transmission. More microfilaria density were recorded in age bracket 10 – 19yrs old while higher circulating filarial antigen was recorded among the age bracket 20 – 29 years old (P<0.05). Clinical signs of filariasis decreased with age; more clinical signs occurred among age bracket of 40 – 60 years. Febrile attack, chyluria, hydrocoele and elephantiasis of the leg and breast were commonly observed. 7.4% of the subjects that were microfilaremic and 4.2% amicrofilaremic individuals were also tested positive for circulating filarial antigen. Therefore, to appraise the filarial endemic status in human population, both circulating filarial antigen and microfilaria density should be determine in order to eliminate the chances of underestimating the infection.
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