Armillifer armillatus in Bendel State (Midwest) Nigeria (a village study in Ayogwiri Village, near Auchi, 120 kilometres from Benin City) phase I.

Armillifer armillatus (Porocephalosis or tongue worm Disease) in Ayogwiri Village (near Auchi) 120 kilometres from Benin City in Bendel State (Midwest) Nigeria, first detected by us in 1975, was studied. It was first detected incidentally by X-ray which is usual. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made by the radiologist at Benin City Hospital. The focus of this infection was studied by "contact tracing" of the household of the subject. Initially the diagnosis was Miliary Tuberculosis and subsequently multiple calcified nymphs of Armillifer armillatus. Phase one of this study consisted of X-ray of the chest, abdomen and thighs, as well as a history and examination of all ten members of the household. Forty per cent had evidence of calcified nymphs, a finding hitherto regarded as incidental by radiologists. Unlike Paragonomiasis in Eastern Nigeria, the above disease is endemic, largely symptomless, and occurs in snake eating rather than in crab eating communities. There was no increase in snake consumption. Porocephalosis in this part of Nigeria is being reported for the first time. No case of Paragonomiasis has yet been found by us in this area despite a constant search for it since 1972 by sputum examination of all cases of haemoptysis as well as Radiologically in a hospital with a large Pulmonary TB Department where both diseases may occur.