Incidence of Leishmania Donovani Infection among Agropastoralists Tribes in Um-alkhare and Bazura Villages, Gedarif State, Eastern Sudan

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening parasitic disease, transmitted by a sand fly. A survey aimed to estimate the VL incidence in Um-alkhare and Bazura villages located in endemic southern part of Gedaref State, Eastern Sudan, in the period among (March 2014-February 2015). This study conducted among Agro-pastoralists tribes in the two villages comparing the epidemiological and clinical spectrum of VL infection. One hundred seventy five (109 male and 66 females) clinical suspected for VL were examined in the two rural hospitals, their age range between (3-48 years old). Bone marrow (BM) and lymph node (LN) smears were aspirated for parasitological examination and the serum was tested by using rk39 for Leishmania donovani antibodies. Socio-demographic and other determinants governing VL were also studied. The incidence rate of visceral leishmaniasis from was 42.8/1,000 person per year,and 57.1% for the prevalence rate. Microscopic examination for VL was confirmed in 64 patients (49 males, 15 females) from BM and LN aspirate smears. rK39 test gave prevalence rate of 36.6% and 42.3% VL antibodies for BM and LN specimen respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for rK39 was determined to be 79% and 70%, respectively. Patient’s positive for microscopic tests showed clinical signs and symptoms such as, severe irregular fever, splenomegaly and LN enlargement. Hausa tribe has a highest VL infection (26.7%), followed by Masaleet (18.7%). Infection rate was reported to occur during October coinciding with high transmission season. It was also observed that prevailing Balantis trees, cracking soil and Leishmania reservoir have direct correlation with VL infection. Further genetic studies based on wide community survey are highly recommended to verify susceptibility of different agro-pastoralists tribes to VL infection.