Visceral Leishmaniasis in Afghanistan: Analysis of Cases from 2018 to 2022
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Abstract
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected but typically fatal vector-borne protozoan disease. It leads to substantial health problems and/or death for up to 400,000 people per year. Afghanistan is an endemic country for VL. We aimed to analyze VL cases from 2018 to 2022 and enlighten the epidemiological profile of the disease in the country.
Methods: A descriptive analysis of VL cases from 2018 to 2022 was conducted during July to September 2022. Secondary data of the VL surveillance were retrieved from Malaria and other Vector Borne Disease Control Program (MVDP) of Ministry of Public Health, Kabul, Afghanistan. while the outcome of registered cases were confirmed through phone calls. Data were managed and analyzed using MS Excel, Epi Info V.7.2.1, and GIS.
Results: Overall, 77 cases were registered and reported from 2018 to 2022. Most of the cases 48 (62%) were male, and 68 (88.3%) were aged 0-5 yr with a mean of 3.6 ± 2.1. Geographically, 28 cases (36%) were reported from Faryab Province followed by Baghlan 9 (12%) and Ghazni 1 (1.2%) provinces. Only Four (5%) and 7 (9%) cases reported family members with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and VL respectively. Common clinical manifestations among patients were fever (96%), weight loss (96%), and splenomegaly (91%). Upon follow up, 35 (45.5%) of the cases were lost, 31 (40.2%) were cured, and 11 (14.3%) deceased. The outcome of treatment was significantly associated with treatment type, Glucantime.
Conclusion: We found higher proportion of VL among under-five males. Most of the cases were reported from the northern region and the family history of VL was reported by patients. Fever and weight loss were the frequent clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis and Glucantime had good outcome compared to late diagnosis and SSG. Awareness activities, access to diagnosis, health education and interventions are recommended in high-risk provinces. In addition, further studies are encouraged to determine the prevalence of the disease among the general population.
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