Trend in cumulative cases and mortality rate among visceral leishmaniasis patients in Eastern Sudan: a 14-year registry, 2002-2015.

BACKGROUND

Leishmaniasis is one of the neglected infectious diseases of the world. This disease largely affects individuals of low socio-economic level, mainly in developing countries.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate the cumulative number of cases, case fatality rate, and trend in incidence and mortality rate of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Eastern Sudan. A retrospective descriptive study was performed through analysis of the database managed by the Ministry of Health in Gadarif State, which includes all cases of VL.

RESULTS

Over the 14-year study period (2002-2015), a total of 51773 patients were registered in Gadarif State with clinical and laboratory evidence of proven VL. The trend in VL was considerably higher over the years 2003-2005 as compared to the last 5 years of 2011-2015. The highest fatality rate was observed in 2002 (4.8%) and it had declined in 2014 (1.1%) and 2015 (1.7%). Rural residence was statistically associated with death related to VL (p=0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a high number of cumulative cases of VL in Eastern Sudan. The fatality rate was found to be highest among rural residents and has declined in the last 5 years. Thus immediate interventions are needed in terms of health education and the implementation of preventive measures, with a specific focus on people residing in rural areas.