02441nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260003300042653002100075100001400096700001400110700001300124700001300137700001400150700001000164700001300174700001200187245015800199856007600357520180200433       2021                            d  bResearch Square Platform LLC10aivermectin (IVM)1 aIsiyaku S1 aAdamani W1 aLouise H1 aNdams IS1 aEzekiel K1 aKal A1 aGazama J1 aNock IH00aEntomological Assessment of the Impact of Long-term Mass Administration of Ivermectin in Onchocerciasis – Endemic Communities in Kaduna State, Nigeria.  uhttps://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-840823/v1.pdf?c=16306109230003 a<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
        <jats:p><jats:bold>Background:</jats:bold> Onchocerciasis constitutes a major public health burden in endemic communities and areas because of its dermal and ocular manifestations. Nigeria accounts for the highest burden of the disease globally. Long term mass distribution of ivermectin has been recommended by the World Health Organization as a potent strategy in halting the transmission of the disease in endemic communities.<jats:bold>Aim:</jats:bold> The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of infective blackflies after 17 years of community-based treatment with ivermectin in two onchocerciasis foci in Kaduna State, Nigeria.<jats:bold>Method:</jats:bold> Blood seeking female flies were collected using human landing capture from two breeding sites (River Galma and Gurara) in Lere and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State in 2010 and 2011. The fly heads and bodies, in pools of 100, were analysed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-ELISA specific for <jats:italic>O. volvulus</jats:italic> DNA. <jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> A total of 24,937 blackflies were caught during two-year catching period. The prevalence of infective flies reduced from 0.15% to 0% at River Galma and 0.08% to 0.04% at river Gurara in 2010 and 2011 catching period. Some pools containing the bodies of the flies were also positive for <jats:italic>Onchocerca volvulus. </jats:italic> <jats:bold>Conclusion:</jats:bold> The presence of <jats:italic>O. volvulus</jats:italic> in the heads and bodies of the black flies collected confirmed that there was ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis in Kaduna State, Nigeria during the period of survey. There is continued need for mass distribution of ivermectin in Kaduna in order to halt the transmission.</jats:p>