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Epidemiology of paediatric visceral leishmaniasis in Hebron district, Palestine

Ahmad Amro1, Kifaya Azmi, Gabriele Schönian

  • 1Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany. ahmadymm@hotmail.com

Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|November 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Palestinian children was caused by Leishmania infantum. Risk factors included household exposure and domestic animals, with Phlebotomus sand flies as vectors.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a significant public health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
  • Previous data on VL epidemiology in the West Bank, Palestine, is limited, necessitating further investigation.
  • Understanding the causative agent and transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the causative agent and epidemiological patterns of visceral leishmaniasis in the Hebron district, West Bank.
  • To identify risk factors associated with VL infection in a pediatric population.
  • To assess the prevalence of anti-Leishmania antibodies and identify potential sand fly vectors.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 76 VL cases reported between 1993 and 2007 in children under 9 years old.
  • Molecular identification using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR-RFLP on patient samples.
  • Isoenzyme analysis, serological survey for anti-Leishmania antibodies, and preliminary sand fly distribution survey.

Main Results:

  • Leishmania infantum was identified as the causative agent, with isolates identified as zymodeme MON-1.
  • A seropositivity rate of 8.4% was observed in children; risk was associated with prior VL cases in households (OR 7.5) and presence of domestic animals (OR 2.4).
  • Phlebotomus syriacus (45%) and Ph. tobbi (10%) were identified as potential sand fly vectors.

Conclusions:

  • The Hebron district VL focus is characterized by Leishmania infantum and follows a pediatric epidemiological pattern typical of the Mediterranean region.
  • Household exposure and domestic animals are significant risk factors for VL in children.
  • The findings highlight the need for targeted vector control and public health interventions in the region.

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