Abstract:
Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is a public health problem in the northwestern parts of Amhara region. Most scholars reported that asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis has been reported more frequently as compared to symptomatic in the endemic areas and responsible for transmission of the disease. However, since 2012 there has not been updated information it the study area as prevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis varies from year to year and by segment of population.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated factors of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis among residents in Libo Kemkem district, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 study participants from August 1 – October 30, 2022. Simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants. Socio demographic, personal, behavioral and environmental data were collected using questioner administered face to face interview. Seventy micro liter (μl) capillary blood sample was collected from each study participant. Ten μl blood sample was used for rk39 tests at the site of sample collection and 60μl blood sample was used for dried blood spot using Whitman filter paper No.3 for direct agglutination test. Data were entered in to EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A p-value < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant association.
Result: The overall seroprevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis was 34 (8.2%). Being male (AOR =2.39, 95% CI: 1.49, 3.96; P = 0.032), and sleeping under red acacia tree during the day or at night (AOR =2.55, 95% CI: 1.85, 7.65; P = 0.015) were found to be associated factors of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis. Performance of rK39 test against direct agglutination test using kappa value analysis showed intermediate to a good agreement: (k: 0.771)
Conclusions: The overall seroprevalence of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis was attention should be given for the disease in the study area. Identified associated factors should be considered for effective prevention and control. Comprehensive study on transmission dynamics of asymptomatic visceral leishmaniasis and its clinical outcome should be done in future.
Keywords: Asymptomatic Visceral Leishmaniasis, Associated Factors, Libo Kemkem, Ethiopia