Mass Survey of Human African Trypanosomiasis in Ukwani and Ethiope East Local Government Areas, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was intended to update the epidemiological status of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness in Ukwuani and Ethope East Local Government Areas (LGAs) Delta State, Nigeria, and to establish a HAT control programme. In 2012, 1979 people from 26 villages were serologically screened for Trypanosomabruceigambiense, the causative agent of HAT. In 2012, surveys were carried out in villages where HAT cases had been identified. 119individuals were screened using the card agglutination Trypanosomiasis test (CATT), and then parasitologically examined for the presence of the parasite. CATT- positive individuals in whom the presence of the parasite could not be confirmed were further tested with the CATT using serum dilutions, and those with a positive antibody titer of 1 – in – 4or above were followed-up. Patients with 10 white cells and no trypanosomes in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were classified as being in the second stage of the disease. Vector control was also considered necessary.In this survey, of the 1979 people screened, consisting of 7(0.57%) out of 1220 females and 4(0.53%) out of 759 males with no difference in sex – specificincidences. The positive cases occurred in Umutu and Umuebu communities in Ukuwani LGA, and in Ovu and Okpara inland communities in Ethiope- East LGA.