7 research outputs found
Epidemiology of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Georgia
This study investigated the transmission and prevalence of Leishmania parasite infection of humans in two foci of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in Georgia, the well known focus in Tbilisi in the East, and in Kutaisi, a new focus in the West of the country. The seroprevalence of canine leishmaniasis was investigated in order to understand the zoonotic transmission. Blood samples of 1575 dogs (stray and pet) and 77 wild canids were tested for VL by Kalazar Detect rK39 rapid diagnostic tests. Three districts were investigated in Tbilisi and one in Kutaisi. The highest proportions of seropositive pet dogs were present in District #2 (28.1%, 82/292) and District #1 (26.9%, 24/89) in Tbilisi, compared to 17.3% (26/150) of pet dogs in Kutaisi. The percentage of seropositive stray dogs was also twice as high in Tbilisi (16.1%, n = 670) than in Kutaisi (8%, n = 50); only 2/58 wild animals screened were seropositive (2. 6%). A total of 873 Phlebotomine sand flies were collected, with 5 different species identified in Tbilisi and 3 species in Kutaisi; 2.3% of the females were positive for Leishmania parasites. The Leishmanin Skin Test (LST) was performed on 981 human subjects in VL foci in urban areas in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. A particularly high prevalence of LST positives was observed in Tbilisi District #1 (22.2%, 37.5% and 19.5% for ages 5–9, 15–24 and 25–59, respectively); lower prevalence was observed in Kutaisi (0%, 3.2% and 5.2%, respectively; P<0.05). This study shows that Tbilisi is an active focus for leishmaniasis and that the infection prevalence is very high in dogs and in humans. Although exposure is as yet not as high in Kutaisi, this is a new VL focus. The overall situation in the country is alarming and new control measures are urgently needed
Prevalence of VL as determined by Leishmania Skin Test (LST) in different age groups, arranged by district.
<p>P values in the final column are from comparisons between the overall prevalence in Tbilisi and in Kutaisi.</p>1<p>, using the Fischer Exact Probability test (two-tailed) because of low Expect values.</p
Map of Tbilisi with the three districts indicated.
<p>District 1 is located on the right bank of the Mtkvari River, whereas district 2 is located on the left, or Eastern, bank. District 3 is also described as ‘other Tbilisi, as it encompasses all parts of the city except Districts 1 and 2.</p
Results of the rK39 test for domestic (pet), stray and wild canines in and around Tbilisi, Georgia.
<p>There was a significant association between age/breed and the percentage of dogs testing positive (P<0.001; X<sup>2</sup> test).</p
<i>Phlebotomus</i> species identified in Tbilisi and Kutaisi.
<p> Each sand fly was microscopically examined for <i>Leishmania</i> parasites; both the number and percentage of <i>Leishmania</i>-positive flies are listed.</p
Map of Georgia with known VL foci indicated.
<p>Map of Georgia with known VL foci indicated.</p