Epidemiological, serological, and entomological investigation of new visceral leishmaniasis foci in Nepal

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore epidemiological, serological, entomological, and social aspects of vis- ceral leishmaniasis (VL) in new foci in Nepal. The study was conducted in 11 villages of five districts that had been previ- ously free of VL but that reported new cases between 2019 and 2021. We screened 1,288 inhabitants using rK39 tests and investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 12 recent VL cases. A total of 182 community mem- bers were interviewed about knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding VL. They then underwent an awareness train- ing; 40 of them had a second interview at 6 months to assess the training impact. Vector surveys were conducted in six houses per village to assess sandfly density and infection rates. The prevalence of VL infection was 0.5% and 3.2% among screened populations in Dolpa and Kavre districts, respectively, while the other districts had no rK39-positive cases. No association between travel history and VL infection was found. Phlebotomus argentipes sandflies were col- lected in three districts at high altitudes (from 1,084 to 4,450 m). None of the sandflies captured had Leishmania donovani DNA. People in new foci were not aware of VL symptoms, vectors, or preventive measures. The training significantly improved their knowledge and practice in seeking medical care in case of illness. The epidemiological, serological, and entomological investigations suggest indigenous focal transmission of VL. An integrated package of strategic interven- tions should be implemented by the national VL elimination program in districts with new VL foci

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. - 110, 1 (2024) , 44-51, ISSN: 1476-1645

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2024
• Creator: Joshi, Anand Ballabh ; Banjara, Megha Raj ; Das, Murari Lal ; Ghale, Pragyan ; Pant, Krishna Raj ; Pyakurel, Uttam Raj ; Dahal, Gokarna Raj ; Paudel, Krishna ; Das, Chuman Lal ; Kroeger, Axel ; Aseffa, Abraham

Further information

• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0373
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2532255
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:52 AM CEST