The epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis and asymptomatic leishmanial infection in a highly endemic Bangladeshi village.

We examined the epidemiology of kala-azar and asymptomatic leishmanial infection measured by serologic and leishmanin skin test results in a Bangladeshi community. In a subset, we measured serum retinol, zinc and C-reactive protein (CRP). Kala-azar and seroconversion incidence were 15.

Loss of leishmanin skin test antigen sensitivity and potency in a longitudinal study of visceral leishmaniasis in Bangladesh.

Annual leishmanin skin test (LST) surveys were conducted in a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic Bangladeshi community from 2002 through 2004, using Leishmania infantum antigen from the same manufacturer and batch. In 2002, 530 (35%) of 1,532 had positive LST results; the prevalence increased with increasing age. The LST result was positive in 24 (51%) of 47, 18 (72%) of 25, and 11 (85%) of 13 kala-azar patients treated in the previous 1-11, 12-23, and 24-35 months.

The economic impact of visceral leishmaniasis on households in Bangladesh.

Objectives: To explore current patterns of diagnosis and treatment, quantify household economic impact and identify household strategies to cover the costs of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) care in rural Bangladesh.

Method: Structured interviews with 113 VL patients from 87 households documenting all provider visits and expenditures for health care for VL, and the ways in which the expenditures were covered.

Results: Patients paid a median of 7 visits to six different providers before beginning VL treatment.

Risk factors for kala-azar in Bangladesh.

Since 1990, South Asia has experienced a resurgence of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). To determine risk factors for kala-azar, we performed cross-sectional surveys over a 3-year period in a Bangladeshi community. By history, active case detection, and serologic screening, 155 of 2,356 residents had kala-azar with onset from 2000 to 2003.

Visceral leishmaniasis: consequences to women in a Bangladeshi community.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar (KA) affects the rural poor, causing significant morbidity and mortality. We examined the epidemiological and social impact of KA in an affected village in Bangladesh. A population-based survey of the village residents showed a case fatality rate of 14.

Visceral leishmaniasis: consequences of a neglected disease in a Bangladeshi community.

Visceral leishmaniasis, or kala azar (KA), affects the rural poor, causing significant morbidity and mortality. We examined the epidemiologic, social, and economic impact of KA in a village in Bangladesh. A population-based survey among 2,348 people demonstrated a KA incidence of 2% per year from 2000 to 2002, with a case-fatality rate of 19% among adult women, compared with 6-8% among other demographic groups.