2025, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part D

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by vectors, specifically protozoa of the genus Leishmania. The primary mode of transmission is through the bites of infected female sand flies-Phlebotomus species in the Old World and Lutzomyia species in the New World. The disease presents in several clinical forms, including cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniasis, with the visceral form (kala-azar) being the most severe.Human, are recognized as major reservoirs for Leishmania spp., particularly L. donovani, the main causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL), thus playing a significant role in the human-animal transmission cycle.

This study was conducted to diagnose Leishmania infection in human through both microscopic and molecular approaches. Blood samples (n=75) were collected from human of varying ages and sexes across different regions of Babylon City during the period from December 2024 to February 2025. Microscopic examination using Giemsa staining revealed Leishmania donovani infection in 16 out of 75 samples, indicating a prevalence rate of 21.33%.

Further molecular analysis utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing techniques confirmed the presence of L.donovani DNA in 22 samples, corresponding to an infection rate of 29.33%. Sequencing results verified the species as Leishmania donovani.

Analysis based on sex showed no statistically significant difference in infection rates (p = 0.792), with 30.43% (14/46) of males and 27.58% (8/29) of females testing positive. Regarding age groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.566), a higher prevalence was observed among human < 10 years (37.5%) than age groupes testing positive.

The study also identified a significant geographic variation in infection rates. Human from rural areas exhibited a higher infection rate (36.84%; 7/19) compared to those from urban areas (21.05%; 4/19), with this difference being statistically significant (p = 0.750).

These findings emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and control measures, particularly in rural settings and among young human populations, to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission.