Seroepidemiological study of visceral Leishmaniasis (human infection) in East Myankooh area, in Lorestan Province by Direct Agglutination Test (DAT)

Background: Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was done in order to determine the seroepidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in East Myankooh area, in Lorestan Province during 2004 – 2005 time period. Materials and methods: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Multi stage sampling was performed from all children (<12years old) and 10% 0f adults of this geographic region. Altogether, 530 blood samples were collected to detect anti-leishmania antibodies. The samples were tested by serological procedures including direct agglutination test (DAT). Antibody titers of 1:3200 and more were regarded as positive and 1:1600 titer was regarded as suspected. Findings: Six cases (1.26%) were serologically positive and 1 case (0.21%) was suspicious. The titer of antiserum in 6 cases (1.13%) was 1:800. Conclusion: Seropositive cases were seen in Latvan (n=1), Darsafeh (n=2) and Bungo (n=2) villages and in tribes (n=1). There were no cases of visceral leishmaniasis in other villages. This study indicated that visceral leishmaniasis is sporadic in East Myankooh. More complete epidemiological studies are necessary for determining vectors and other probable reservoirs in this region.