Publications by authors named "Emeka Makata"
Improving onchocerciasis elimination surveillance: trials of odour baited Esperanza Window Traps to collect black fly vectors and real-time qPCR detection of Onchocerca volvulus in black fly pools.
Monsuru A Adeleke Kenneth N Opara Hayward B Mafuyai Bertram Ekejiuba Bright Nwoke Olabanji A Surakat Emeka Makata
Parasit Vectors
November 2024
Background: Entomological data for onchocerciasis surveillance relies on sampling black flies through human landing collectors in the field and laboratory testing of the flies for infection using pooled screening O-150 PCR-ELISA assay. Both techniques require improvements. This study aimed to optimize the Esperanza Window Trap (EWT) for black fly collection.
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- In 2017, Nigeria's Plateau and Nasarawa states interrupted the transmission of Onchocerca volvulus, leading to the cessation of ivermectin mass drug administration in January 2018, in line with WHO guidelines.
- After three years of monitoring, tests on over 15,000 vector flies showed no infective larvae of O. volvulus, resulting in a low infection rate and confirming successful interruption of transmission.
- In 2021, Nigerian health authorities announced these two states as the first in the country to eliminate transmission of river blindness, but ongoing surveillance is necessary to prevent reintroduction from nearby areas.