Role of Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) as Epidemiological Indicator for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Al-tragma Village, River Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a common health problem in the world and its zoonotic form has been reported to occur in Sudan. Leishmaniasis has been considered the second most important parasitic disease after malaria. Therefore, the role of leishmanin skin test (LST) as an epidemiological indicator for CL infection was determined in Al-tragma village, one of the endemic areas for the disease in Sudan. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 410 individuals inhabiting Al-tragma village were enrolled. Two methods of data collection were used in this study, a structured questionnaire and LST. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect and test socio-demographic characteristics. The LST was performed by intradermal injection of 0.1 mL of LST antigen on the volar surface of the left forearm. The result of LST was read after 48-72 hours using the ballpoint pen technique. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Results: LST results showed that 70.7% of respondents were positive and 29.3% were negative. The most infected age groups were 31–40 years (80%) and more than 40 years (82%). The results showed there was a significant difference in LTS results based on age groups, occupations, domestic animals and pets found in and around the houses, and previous experience of the disease (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The overall positive rate for LST was 70.7%. The exposure duration had no effect on LST results. It seems that the patients acquired long-lasting immunity. LST is still a promising tool for evaluating the epidemiological status of Leishmaniasis in endemic areas.