African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (13), pp. 1554-1558, Special Review 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Review

Loa loa and Mansonella perstans: Neglected human infections that need control in Nigeria

O. M. AGBOLADE^1*, D. O. AKINBOYE² and O. F. OGUNKOLO³

¹Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology,

Olabisi Onabanjo University, P.M.B. 2002, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

³Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ikenne Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.

^*Corresponding author. E-mail: agbolmos@yahoo.com.

Accepted 4 October, 2005

Despite the continued endemicity of Loa loa and Mansonella perstans infections in many parts of Nigeria, there has been no meaningful large-scale control program against them. This paper presents the epidemiological status of the infections in Nigeria, evaluates and emphasizes the severity of the recorded clinical symptoms, justifies the need for a control program, and proffers possible control measures. It is shown that, based on available literature, the clinical symptoms of the infections could be seriously debilitating with grave negative socio-economic impacts, especially among the rural populace who contribute immensely to agriculture in Nigeria. We opined that it is inhumane and deceptive to neglect these infectious diseases and the sufferers if truly the country desires health for all. 

Key words: Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, neglected diseases, control, Nigeria.