Kala-azar in Zambia: first report of two cases

Abstract

Two autochthonous cases of kala-azar, the first such report of the disease from Central and Southern Africa, are described. Both patients presented with generalized macules, papules and nodules without ulceration and both also had tuberculosis. Amastigotes were cultured from blood and identified in skin, bone marrow, liver and spleen.

Risk of establishment of canine leishmaniasis infection through the import of dogs into South Africa

“…Ref., reference. Source : Compiled from (1) Campbell et al, 1976; (2) Naik et al, 1976; (3) WHO, 2010; (4) Alvar et al, 2012; (5) Beach et al, 1984; (6) Jimenez et al, 1994; (7) Vilhena et al, 2014; (8) Grové, 1970; (9) Noden & Soni, 2015; (10) Pharoah et al, 1993; (11) WHO, 2015; (12) Salam et al, 2014; (13) Megat et al, 2010; (14) Sharma et al, 2005; (15) Zhi-Biao, 1989; (16) Ok et al, 2002; (17) Frank et al, 1993; (18) Jennings et al, 2014; (19) Harhay et al, 2011; (20) Cardoso et al, 2015; (21 ) Duprey et al, 2006.…”

“…Two autochthonous cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Zambia were described in humans, both of whom also had tuberculosis. Amastigotes were cultured from blood and identified in skin, bone marrow, liver and spleen (Naik et al 1976). Two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Malawi were diagnosed by histopathology in 1 year.…”

“…Again, cutaneous leishmaniasis from South West Africa/Namibia was reported in 1978 and the authors made the following comment ‘This adds a further dimension to the characterisation of this disease in southern Africa’ (Grové 1989; Rutherfoord & Uys 1978). In the years 1974 and 1976, autochthonous cases of human cutaneous leishmaniasis were reported in Zambia (Campbell, Gordon & Emms 1976; Grové & Van Dyk 1974; Naik et al 1976). Two cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Malawi were diagnosed by histopathology in northern Malawi in 1 year (Pharoah et al 1993).…”

Autochthonous Leishmania infantum in Dogs, Zambia, 2021

“…In Zambia, human visceral leishmaniasis was reported in 1973 in the Eastern Province (3) and subsequently in 1976 in the same area (4). In 1994, a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis was reported in a dog in Lusaka Province (5).…”

“…sand flies (10). In addition, although the extent of disease distribution in the country, including Southern Province, is yet to be determined, autochthonous leishmania cases reported in Zambia (3)(4)(5) suggests the presence of an infection foci. To further clarify the epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Zambia, there is need for improved understanding of the epidemiology of the disease in dogs, vector distribution, and the risk for human infection, particularly in high-risk populations, such as immunocompromised persons.…”