Trend Analysis of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Metema Hospital Northwest, Ethiopia

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania which is transmitted by the bite of female sand flies. It is usually fatal if undiagnosed and untreated, but if treated usually leads to life-long immunity. Metema area is one of the most important foci of visceral leishmaniasis in Ethiopia; however, its trend is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine trends of visceral leishmaniasis in the study area, which is important to evaluate national visceral leishmaniasis control activities. Method: TA retrospective study was conducted at Metema Hospital from January, 2008 to December, 2012. Data were collected from the medical records of suspected patient who were tested by rK39 antigen kits and entered, cleaned and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0.P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: A total of 5645 visceral leishmaniasis (VL) suspected cases were examined at study area. Of these, 1277(22.6%) were positive for VL. The highest annual prevalence, 365 (33.2%), of VL was reported in 2012 and the lowest, 171 (19.95%), in 2009.Most of the VL positive individuals were in the age groups of 15-29 years and the higher prevalence of VL was from suspected males and during autumn. Age, gender and season had statistically significant association with VL infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of VL was high in study area and its trend was fluctuating and gradually has been increased. Moreover, a transmission season coincides with peak periods of agricultural activity which result a negative impact on the nation's economy. Therefore, health planners and administrators should give intensive health education for the community.