Prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis Indicators in Communities in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria

Visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, caused by Leishmania donovani, is a potentially fatal disease sporadically reported in Nigeria, with several northern states considered at risk due to the presence of phlebotomine sandfly vectors. This study assessed the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis indicators in rural communities of Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria. Serum samples from 200 adults with unexplained prolonged fever, splenomegaly, or weight loss were tested using the rK39 immunochromatographic strip test as a rapid screening tool. Phlebotomine sandfly density was assessed using CDC light traps and sticky traps deployed at community level. Clinical records from four health facilities were reviewed for suspected cases over the preceding 24 months. Seven participants (3.5 percent) were rK39 seropositive, representing presumptive visceral leishmaniasis cases. Sandfly activity was confirmed in all study communities, with Phlebotomus species identified. Only two of seven seropositive cases had been previously recognised by attending health workers. The study underscores the need for clinician awareness training and diagnostic algorithm development for visceral leishmaniasis in Northwest Nigeria. Keywords: visceral leishmaniasis, kala-azar, Phlebotomus, rK39 test, Katsina State.