Resumen

VASQUEZ, Laura C et al. Clinical and epidemiologic profile of visceral leishmaniasis in Trujillo state, Venezuela (1975-2007). Bol Mal Salud Amb [online]. 2010, vol.50, n.2, pp.233-242. ISSN 1690-4648.

The objective of this study was to consolidate and analyze information in reference to clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with Visceral Leshismaniasis in Trujillo State, Venezuela through a retrospective study which included interned patients from 1975-2007. 82 clinical records were reviewed: 55 children and teenagers between 0- 17 years, and 27 adults between 18 and 60 years. 53.7% of them were children between 0 and 5 years. Among adults, the male sex was dominant (P=0. 002). In reference to the signs and symptoms, a significant difference was found between children/teenagers and adults in the variables of astenia (P=0.001) and loss of weight (P=0.001) which were more frequent among adults. The average ingression to the hospital was 31.17 ±14 days and the rate of mortality was 4.9%. In conclusion the LVA in Trujillo state is persistently endemic with a low and sporadic cases, which must be discarded in adult patients who come from endemic areas with weight loss and asthenia.

Palabras clave : Visceral Leishmaniasis; Trujillo; Venezuela; Epidemiology; Clinics.