Validity of leopard skin manifestation in community diagnosis of human onchocerciasis infection.

The validity and reliability of onchocercal leopard skin (LS) when used as a screening criteria in community diagnosis of human onchocerciasis is reported. Between March and May, 1991, 1,302 persons were skin snipped and examined for LS from all households in Mballa, Isuochi in Isuikwuato L.G.A. of Abia State, Nigeria. Leopard skin showed a sensitivity rate of 30% and a specificity of 76.5% when used to identify cases of onchocerciasis. Some factors that influenced validity of leopard skin as diagnostic criterion are discussed. The use of two or more manifestations jointly as indicators of onchocercal infection is recommended.