[Leishmaniasis in Castellón: an epidemiological study of human cases, the vector and the canine reservoir].

BACKGROUND

Incidence of human leishmaniasis in Castellón is among the highest in Spain. In order to know epidemiologic situation of leishmaniasis, human incidence, Phlebotomus' presence and canine reservoir were studied.

METHODS

The study was carried out during 1989-1990, and included review of different registers of cases and glucantime use, Phlebotomus catching, and leishmaniasis serology (immunofluorescent test, IFT) of dogs from municipal kennel and rabies vaccine programme.

RESULTS

Hospitals' underreporting visceral leishmaniasis was noted. Glucantime's distribution permitted identification of some no reported cases. 2267 sandflies were caught, which 196 were vectors: P. perniciosus (182), P. sergenti (6), P. papatasi (4) and P. ariasi (4). Dog's prevalence of leishmaniasis (IFT > or = 1/80) was 5.1% (CI 95%: 1.1-9.1) in dogs fron the municipal kennel, and 0% in dogs from the vaccine programme.

CONCLUSIONS

Human leishmaniasis is hypoendemic in Castellón, with a low-middle rank in canine leishmaniasis. Entomologic results agree with other spanish studies. However, P. sergenti and P. ariasi were not described in Catellón until now. Leishmaniasis surveillance should be maintained.