SEROPREVALENCE OF VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN CHILDREN UNDER 10 YEARS OLD IN 8 RURAL AREA IN BOYER AHMAD DISTRICT 2015, AFTER ELIMINATION OF INFECTED DOGS

Abstract

Background: Leishmania infantum is the main cause of kala-azar in Iran. This studyaimed to determine the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in children under 10 years old, who live in infested villages of Boyer-Ahmad district, south of Iran, to evaluate the current status of the disease after reservoir host(owner ship dogs) elimination.

Material and methods: In previous studies, villages infected with humans and animal reservoirs were identified. The infected dogs were destroyed. Now, 127 serum samples of children from 8 rural area of Boyer-Ahmad district was taken and tested by DAT. They were also investigated to determine the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Results: All 127 serum samples were negative for anti leishmania antibodies (≤1:800 titers). 64 and 63 individuals were male and female respectively. The age of 112 cases was 5-10 years old and 15 cases (8.11%) have 1-4 years old. Nobody showed symptoms of the disease.

Conclusion: To control the disease, the important factor is reservoir elimination. Previously infected dogs were killed at 2010 in the district. The current results may be due to destruction of dogs. Therefore, according to success of this work, this method is recommended for disease control in other region.