Leishmaniasis in Castellon: A Epidemiologic Study of Human Cases, Vector and Canine Reservoir

Abstract

Background: Incidence of human leishmaniasid in Castellón is among the higest in Spain. In order to know epidemiologic situation of leishmaniasis. human incidence. Phlebotomus’ presente and canine reservoir were studied. Methods: The study was carried out during 1989-1990. and included review of different registers of cases and glucantime use. Phlebotomus catching. and leishmaniasis serology (immunofluorescent test.lFT) of dogs from municipal kennel and rabies vaccine programme. Resuits: Hospitals’ underreporting visceral leishmaniasis was noted. Glucantime´s distribution permited identification of some no reported cases, 2767 sandflies were catched. wich 196 were vectors: P. perniciosus (182 ). P sergenti (6). P. papatasi (3) and P ariasi (4). Dog’s prevalence of leishmaniasis( IFT > 1/80) was 5.1 (CI 95%: 1.1-9.1) in dogs fron the municipal kennel. and 0 % in dogs from the vaccine programme. Conclusions: Human leishmaniasis is hypoendemic in Castellón. with a low-middle rank in canine leishmaniosis. Entomologic results agrce with other spanish studies. However. P. sergenti and P ariasi were not described in Castellón until now. Leishmaniasis surveillance should be maintained.