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



Ajami Z ; Adnani Sadati S J ; Akhoundi B ; Barani S M ; Nikmanesh B ; Kakooei Z ; Alizadeh Z ; Mohebali M
Source: Archives of Razi Institute Published:2026

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. © 2026 The Author(s).