Resumen

CERMENO V, Julman R  y  CERMENO V, Julmery J. Visceral leishmaniasis (1942-2006) and seroprevalence in two communities from Bolivar State, Venezuela. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2009, vol.29, n.1, pp.44-48. ISSN 1315-2556.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic infectious disease produced by protozoa of the Leishmania donovani complex, which can be fatal if not treated. It basically affects man and canine species. The dog is an important reservoir and is responsible for the endemic/ epidemic nature of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the human Visceral Leishmaniasis casuistic in Bolivar State, Venezuela, since the occurrence of the first case until 2006, and determine human and canine VL seroprevalence in two populations from this state. We revised cases with a confirmed VL diagnosis and bibliography published in this respect; we carried out a survey and determined specific anti VL recombinant protein K39 antibodies in humans and canines from Las Bombitas and Los Tanques villages. We registered 54 human and 8 canine VL cases. VL is endemic in Bolivar State at most municipalities and affects mainly young persons and children. The occurrence of new cases and the presence of VL seropositive canines at Las Bombitas and Los Tanques shows the sporadic and endemic nature of this disease at these Bolivar State localities

Palabras clave : Visceral leishmaniasis; seroprevalence; Venezuela.