Leishmaniasis in Sardinia. 5. Leishmanin reaction in the human population of a focus of low endemicity of canine leishmaniasis

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1990 May-Jun;84(3):371-4. doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(90)90322-6.

Abstract

About half (640 subjects) of the population of Soleminis, a canine leishmaniasis focus 15 km north of Cagliari, Sardinia, was subjected to the leishmanin skin test. The total positive rate was 9.7%, and that of males was 15.5%. The age trend in the positive rate resembled a hyperbolic curve, with the 0-5 years age group rate being zero and the highest rate (39.3%) occurring in the 55-65 years age group. The Soleminis focus was classified as hypoendemic, with a prevalence of canine leishmaniasis of about 3%. Dog surveillance, land reclamation and changes in population habits during the last few decades are considered to be responsible for the reduction of transmission to man.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dog Diseases
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Leishmania donovani* / immunology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / epidemiology*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / immunology
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / veterinary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Tests

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • leishmanin