Filariasis in Gongola State Nigeria. I: Clinical and parasitological studies in Mutum-Biyu district.

A total of 2552 persons living in 9 villages along the Benue river valley, Mutum-Biyu district of Gongola State, Nigeria were examined between October and December 1989 for filariasis. It is the first time a filariasis survey will be carried out in this State. 276 (10.8%) had Wuchereria bancrofti, 50 (2.0%) had Loa loa, 281 (11.0%) were positive for Mansonella perstans while 12 (0.5%) were positive for Onchocerca volvulus. Villages located near the Benue river had higher prevalence rates than those further away. Dermatitis and hydrocoele were common and clinical manifestations were associated with parasite types. Clinical symptoms without microfilaremia and microfilaremia without clinical symptoms were also observed. The study will fill the gap in our knowledge of filariasis in this part of Nigeria.