Background & Objectives: Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan called Leishmania, that is a fatal disease for human. In Iran, this disease is caused by Leishmania infantum and occurres in early ages. Ardabil province is a known endemic region for Visceral leishmaniasis in the world.
Methods: This retrospective study has been done based on information of 8306 suspected cases available on the health center from 2002 to 2011.
Results: A total of 278 (3.35%) direct agglutination tests were positive in Ardabil, Meshkinshahr and Germi districts. The most infections were seen in Meshkinshahr and the least obtained in Ardabil district. Data analysis showed almost regular decrease in prevalence of human visceral leishmaniasis in the last decade in Meshkinshahr district where is considered as the main focus of the disease. In 2011, the incidence of human visceral leishmaniasis in Germi was completely similar to Meshkinshahr district.
Conclusion: The health proceedings for visceral leishmaniasis control showed to be successful in Ardabil province especially in Meshkinshahr district during past 10 years. Regarding to the susceptibility of neighboring regions of endemic foci and also the possibility of disease transmission from asymptomatic dogs, it is necessary to educate people to avoid displacement of ownership dogs and continue diagnosis and control proceedings on dogs.
Keywords: Visceral Leishmaniasis; Seroepidemiology; Ardabi
