Onchocerciasis in Sundus Area : skin and eye manifestation

Abstract EN

Background Onchocerciasis is known in Sudan since 1933.

It, now, prevails in three foci: southern, northern and eastern focus (Sundus area).

Sundus area was studied last time in mid 1980s.

The actual status of the disease in Sundus area was not clear, because some villages to be hyper-endemic at that time, were abandoned and the population resettled in other areas.

Objectives This study was designed to provide the actual information of skin and eye lesions due to onchocerciasis, in Sundus area, eastern Sudan.

Methodology Two clinics were setup in the area, and all individuals coming to these clinics were included in the study.

They were subjected to physical examination for dermatological changes and ophthalmic examination using slit lamp biomicroscope and direct ophthalmoscope.

Results Total number of 302 individuals was examined, of which 87 individuals (28.8 %) were found to have onchocercal skin disease.

The commonest type was lichenified onchodermatitis (18.5 %) and chronic papular onchodermatitis (11.6 %).

The localized onchodermatitis (Sowda) was seen in 19 subjects.

No case of blindness was recorded; however, ocular changes were seen in 43 individuals (14.2%) including corneal opacity and cataract.

Conclusion Results of this study provide support for the still existence of the disease in Sundus area.