Correlation between Loa Loa Infestation Prevalence and Eosinophil Rate among Population of Obout, Centre Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Loiasis remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) such as Cameroon. In Cameroon, the prevalence of loiasis varies from one geographical area to another. This study aimed to assess the correlation between Loa loa infestation prevalence and eosinophil rate among population of Obout, centre region of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted in Obout locality situated in Centre region of Cameroon from June to July 2022. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview questionnaire from participants attending the Christ Roi Medical Centre of Obout (CRMCO). In each participant, a venous blood sample was taken in an EDTA tube after informed consent was obtained. A Full blood count (FBC) and a blood smear were performed on each blood sample. The collected data were recorded in an Excel version 2016 sheet and analysed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) v. 24 software. For any value of p˂0.05, the results were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 65 participants were enrolled in this study with a median age of 35 years (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 18-52). The prevalence of Loa loa infestation was 15.38% (95%CI: 7.63%–26.48%) with a high prevalence for males (33.33%) versus (vs.) 2.63% for females (OR= 18.50; 95%IC: 2.17–157.46, p=0.002). Similarly, a high prevalence of Loa loa infestation in participants aged ≥35 years or 27.27% (OR=0.08; 95%IC: 0.01–0.72, p=0.01). Concerning the duration in the locality, the participants with ≥10 years in the locality were more infested with 8.33% for those less than 10 years (p=0.15). Furthermore, the current study shows a positive correlation but weak between eosinophil rate and intensity of Loa loa infestation (r=0.3406; p=0.3). Conclusion: This study reported a high prevalence of Loa loa microfilaria in Obout locality with statistically significant differences for gender and age. However, no association was found between eosinophil and microfilarial load. Despite the low participation rate, Obout locality remains an area of high endemicity for Loa loa microfilaria.