Diagnosis of filariasis is important for Programme Managers and Physicians. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in eleven communities of Northern Taraba State. The study employed standard parasitological techniques for diagnosis, and the use of Immunochromatographic Card Test (ICT) to detect Circulating Filarial Antigen (CFA). Chi Square was used to compare and test for differences in infections among communities. 294 persons were examined, and 31.29% were confirmed positive for Wuchereria bancrofti. The performance of ICT card compared with Thick Blood Film microscopy was commendable. Thick Blood Film/microscopy identified 26.19% infection of the population, while the ICT card detected 31.29% CFA from the same population. The prevalence of CFA differ significantly (p < 0.05), and no significant difference between antigenaemia in males and females. However, chi-square test revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of antigenaemia among the different age groups. Antigenaemia was detected in 92 persons, and 34 (36.96%) persons are both antigenaemia positive and microfilaria positive, while 58 persons (63.04%) with antigenaemia but without microfilaraemia. Of the 202 negative subjects 43 (21.29%) had microfilaria in their blood samples, while 159 (78.71%) were negative for microfilaraemia. The ability of the ICT to accurately identify all those with the disease was 44.16%, while the ability of the ICT to sort out those without disease was 73.27%. The Positive Predictive Value was 36.96%, while the Negative predictive value was 78.71% burden of LF. In conclusion, since the ICT had identified 31.29% people with LF as against 26.19% by Microscopy, it was suggested that it could be employed in mass survey for Lymphatic filariasis to institute intervention activities in the area.
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