Research Journal of Medical Sciences

Year: 2011
Volume: 5
Issue: 2
Page No. 108 - 111

Epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in South Kordofan Region, Western Sudan

Authors : A.A. Osman

Abstract: This study aimed to identify cases of leishmaniasis in the Nuba mountain area which is situated in a unique geographical site as it is located in the centre of Sudanese leishmania belt. The study was conducted in the Green Valley village (Rashad province, South Kordofan state) with a population of 332. This study applied in field situation collection of epidemiological and demographic data, clinical examination, Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reactions). Most of the villagers have presented with sub-clinical form of leishmaniasis, presented with minor symptoms and signs that can occur in clinical form of visceral leishmaniasis such as fever, diarrhoea, epistaxis, enlarged lymph nodes, spleen and liver. As many conventional diagnostic methods such as direct microscopy, culture and serology have some drawbacks and failures in diagnosing subclinical cases of leishmaniasis, here in this study the Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reactions) tested on blood spotted finger pricks spotted on filter papers collected from the villagers under field condition. Almost all of the 32 positives by PCR have presented with sub-clinical pattern of the disease indicating the predominance of sub-clinical form in this study area. Positive LST; 43.6% in August, 45.7% in February and 51.2% in October reflected the exposure rate to the disease among the villagers who showed variable magnitude of reactions. All age groups were involved indicating indoors transmission. Most of villagers were subclinical and no gender predilection.

How to cite this article:

A.A. Osman , 2011. Epidemiology of Leishmaniasis in South Kordofan Region, Western Sudan. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 5: 108-111.

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