Impact of Ivermectin treatment on the occurrence of nodules in onchocerciasis infection in two communities in Etung Local Government of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The impact of Ivermectin treatment on the occurrence of nodules in nchocerciasis infection in two communities in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State was investigated. Out of 200 individuals examined, the overall nodule prevalence was 26 (13.0%). The overall prevalence for both male and female individuals were 18 (18.0%) and 8 (8.0%) respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the prevalence rate in both sexes (P > 0.05). However, the percentage prevalence of nodules in the two communities – Abia and Agbokim – were 10 (10.0%) and 16 (16.0%) respectively.  There is a significant reduction in the nodule prevalence in the two communities investigated indicating that Ivermectin plays a role in the inhibition of nodule formation.