Emerging Evidence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Kahak County, Qom Province, Central Part of Iran

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran.

3 Veterinary network of Qom Province, Qom, Iran

4 Zoonosis Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. & Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.32598/ARI.81.3.3625

Abstract

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a systemic parasitic disease that can be fatal if left untreated. In Iran, Leishmania infantum is the causative agent of Mediterranean type of VL, transmitted to humans via the bite of infected Phlebotomine sandflies from animal reservoir hosts. This study aimed to introduce a new focus of VL in children up to 13 years old as well as domestic dogs, in Kahak County, Qom Province, during 2022-2023. 
Materials & Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 316 human serum samples (children under 13 years) and 50 domestic dogs selected through simple random sampling. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using the direct agglutination test (DAT) to detect anti-Leishmania antibodies. Samples with anti-Leishmania antibody titers of 1:800 or higher were retested after 2-3 weeks for confirmation. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, utilizing Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level of P<0.05. 
Results: Out of 316 human samples, five showed suspicious anti-L. infantum antibody titers of 1:800, and two samples showed positive titers of 1:1600 and 1:3200, indicating seropositive infection. Among the 50 canine samples, two showed anti-Leishmania antibody titers of 1:320. Repeat testing after several weeks confirmed the initial results. The two seropositive human cases were a 7-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl, both presenting with symptoms such as weakness, paleness, lethargy and hepatosplenomegaly, with no history travelling to other VL endemic areas. These patients were referred to the Health center of the studied area for physical examinations and necessary treatment.
Conclusion: This study showed that VL occurs at a low prevalence among children up to 13 years old in the studied area. Thus, enhancing the awareness of healthcare professionals and public health officials is essential,along with the establishment of a surveillance system for this potentially fatal disease.

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Archives of Razi Institute
Volume 81, Issue 3
May and June 2026
Pages 641-646

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