Abstract

VARGAS-DIAZ, Ersi et al. Study on a new focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Falcón State, Venezuela: Record of a case. Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2007, vol.47, n.2, pp.245-248. ISSN 1690-4648.

A case of visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) infection detected in a 10-year-old child from Los Pozones, a rural village located at Falcon State, Venezuela, is reported. The results of an epidemiological study carried out in the village during the 12 months following the case detection is presented. The study included a serological sampling in 110 out of 140 (78.5%) inhabitants of the village and 10 out of 38 (26.3%) dogs living under the same conditions. Three serological tests were used (DAT, IFAT and ELISA). Phlebotomine sand fly fauna was studied following collection on natural resting places and in Shannon light traps during 1 year. Results revealed a predominance of Lutzomyia evansi (62.2%) over Lutzomyia longipalpis (37.3%), the two major species found in the dry forest. In addition, 17.3% and 50% seroprevalence were detected in human and canine populations respectively. These findings suggest the presence of a new VL focus in the western part of Falcón State, Venezuela, where which much investigation is needed.

Keywords : visceral Leishmaniasis; new focus; Falcón State; Venezuela.