Observations on the treatment of onchocerciasis in an endemic area of Western Nigeria

Abstract

Diethylcarbamazine and Antrypol were used in combination in treating 163 ambulant patients suffering from onchocerciasis for periods of 8–10 weeks, in the endemic area of Western Nigeria, and palpable onchocercal nodules were excised when found. Treatment was made difficult by reinfection when patients returned to their home environment, thus emphasizing the urgency of instituting general control measures against S. damnosum in this area. Good results were obtained with the dosage regime employed and 109 patients were discharged as cured on clinical and serological grounds when seen 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. Twenty-five patients received a second course of treatment while 12 others were given a modified course of treatment with diethylcarbamazine alone.