[Risk factors of leishmanin-skin test positivity in transmission of Leishmania infantum in the center of Tunisia]

Arch Inst Pasteur Tunis. 2003;80(1-4):17-27.
[Article in French]

Abstract

This work aims to estimate prevalence and evaluate risk factors of leishmanin-skin test positivity. A cross-sectional leishmanin skin test study was carried out on a sample of 3190 healthy volunteers living in the gouvernorates of Kairouan and Kasserine. Age standardized prevalence of leishmanin-skin test positivity was 45.9% (CI95% = [43.9-47.9]) confirming the hyper endemicity of this region. The rate of leishmanin-skin test positivity ranged from 75.9% (CI95% = [71.9-79.5]) in Zaghdoud (Kairouan) to 6.5% (CI95% = [3.7-11.01) in Abdeladhim (Kasserine). There is no significant difference between men and women suggesting a similar exposure to infection. In the districts of Zaghdoud, Sidi Amor, El Hajeb and chbika, age specific rates showed a rapid increasing positive prevalence with age reaching a proportion exceeding 80% after the age of 15 years. However, the age specific prevalence from other delegations showed a progressive increasing trend with age, with a low rate for younger children and a plateau of 75% after 45 years. Multivariate analysis of leishmanin-skin test positivity risk factors showed that only district and age are determinants of this infection.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leishmania infantum / immunology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / epidemiology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / immunology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral* / transmission
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Population Surveillance
  • Prevalence
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Distribution
  • Skin Tests* / methods
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tunisia / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • leishmanin