Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic pastoral community in Denan district, southeastern Ethiopia

Background In the Somali region of Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern. Yet, epidemiology and sand fly vectors of VL were not well studied in various areas of the regional state. Thus, the current study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence, associated factors and distribution sand fly vectors of VL in Denan district, south-eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 187 households between May and September 2021 in six selected Kebeles of Denan district. In total, 187 blood samples were collected from individuals who visited Denan health center using a simple random sampling technique. Blood samples were subjected to Direct Agglutination Test for the detection of antibodies to VL. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to gather information on individual and household level risk factors and other characteristics of knowledge and attitude assessment. Sand flies were also collected from different sampling habitats using light and sticky traps. Results The overall sero-prevalence rate was 9.63% (18/187). Sero-prevalence was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping (OR=2.094), presence of damp floor (OR=9.732), and presence of cracked house walls (OR=6.283). Nearly half (53.48%) of the study participants had previously heard about VL. Communities were practicing different methods to prevent VL infection. In total, 823 sand fly specimens comprising 12 species in two genera ( Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia ) were trapped and identified. The most abundant species was S Sergentomyia clydei (50.18%), followed by Phlebotomus orientalis (11.42%). Conclusion The study demonstrated a relatively higher sero-positivity of VL in this new focus, and a remarkable gap in the knowledge, attitude and practices towards VL. P. orientalis was also detected, which could be a probable vector in this new focus. Thus, public education should be prioritized to improve the awareness of the community on VL and its public health impact. In addition, detailed epidemiological and entomological studies are recommended.