Publication
Title
Domestic animals and epidemiology of visceral Leishmaniasis, Nepal
Author
Abstract
On the Indian subcontinent, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is considered an anthroponosis. To determine possible reasons for its persistence during interepidemic periods, we mapped Leishmania infections among healthy persons and animals in an area of active VL transmission in Nepal. During 4 months (September 2007February 2008), blood was collected from persons, goats, cows, and buffaloes in 1 village. Leishmania infections were determined by using PCR. We found infections among persons (6.1%), cows (5%), buffaloes (4%), and goats (16%). Data were georeferenced and entered into a geographic information system. The bivariate K-function results indicated spatial clustering of Leishmania spp.positive persons and domestic animals. Classification tree analysis determined that among several possible risk factors for Leishmania infection among persons, proximity of Leishmania spp.positive goats ranked first. Although our data do not necessarily mean that goats constitute a reservoir host of L. donovani, these observations indicate the need for further investigation of goats' possible role in VL transmission.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Emerging infectious diseases / National Center for Infectious Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Atlanta, Ga
Publication
Atlanta, Ga : 2010
ISSN
1080-6040
1080-6059
DOI
10.3201/EID1602.090623
Volume/pages
16 :2 (2010) , p. 231-237
ISI
000274400300008
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 23.02.2011
Last edited 04.03.2024
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