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

Abstract

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.