Filaria volvulus Leuckart, its Distribution, Structure and Pathological Effects

Abstract

Although Filaria volvulus was first described by Leuckart IA 1893, very little was known or taught of this particular nematode when, ten years later, I became a goverament official in Northern Nigeria. While other members of the Filaridae have received a good deal of attention during the present decade, Filaria volvulus seems to have been comparatively ignored. I am inclined to think, however, that this Filaria is far more common in certain parts of Africa than is generally supposed; and, by publishing the cases that have come under my notice, I hope that something may be added to our knowledge of the obscure disease it causes and that other workers will become interested in the subject. Up to the present time I have seen five cases, and ali of these carne under observation at Lokoja—a large government station in Northern Nigeria, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. To my knowledge this is the first time that cases of Filaria volvulus have been reported from Northern Nigeria.