Identification of Filarial Parasites in Communities Along the Kaduna River Basin, Kaduna State

Lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis are co-endemic in several riverine communities of Northwest Nigeria, requiring accurate baseline epidemiological characterisation for programme planning. This study identified the species and distribution of filarial parasites in communities along the Kaduna River basin in Kaduna State. Night blood samples for Wuchereria bancrofti and day blood samples for Mansonella perstans microfilariae were collected from 240 adults, while skin snip specimens were taken for Onchocerca volvulus detection. Samples were processed using standard microscopic and Knott's concentration techniques. W. bancrofti microfilaraemia was detected in 8.9 percent of participants, while O. volvulus was confirmed in 11.2 percent via skin snip. Mansonella perstans was identified in 4.7 percent. Communities closest to fast-flowing tributaries recorded higher Onchocerca prevalence, consistent with Simulium blackfly breeding sites. Participation in the ivermectin distribution campaign was suboptimal at 47.8 percent. The study urges renewed community engagement for preventive chemotherapy uptake and biannual coverage surveys along the Kaduna River corridor to meet elimination targets. Keywords: lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, Wuchereria bancrofti, Kaduna River, filarial parasites.