New data on epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Georgia

Visceral leishmaniasis is spread as sporadic cases in eastern regions of Georgia. In Georgia as throughout the world steady increase of the disease incidence is observed. It is related to socio-economic crisis of population, increase in the number of invaded dogs and global warming processes. In west Georgia visceral leishmaniasis cases were never observed in the past. From 2004 to 2008 authors registered 10 local cases of visceral leishmaniasis in kutaisi (8 children and 2 adult patients). It should be noted that from these 10 patients eight resided in sapichkia area and two were from other areas of kutaisi. Authors consider that the detailed epidemiologic evaluation of the above mentioned cases should be carried out urgently to avoid the emergence of new endemic of visceral leishmaniasis in west Georgia.