Risk Factors for Kala-Azar in Bangladesh

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1105.040718
• Publication Date: 2012-08-17T13:18:52Z
• Authors: Caryn Bern; Allen W. Hightower; Rajib Chowdhury; Mustakim Ali; Josef Amann; Yukiko Wagatsuma; Rashidul Haque; Katie Kurkjian; Louise E. Vaz; Moarrita Begum; Tangin Akter; Catherine B. Cetr...; Indu B. Ahluwalia; Ellen Dotson; W. Evan Secor; Robert F. Breiman; James H. Maguire
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Abstract Since 1990, South Asia has experienced a resurgence of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). To determine risk factors for kala-azar, we performed cross-sectional surveys over 3-year period in Bangladeshi community. By history, active case detection, and serologic screening, 155 2,356 residents had with onset from 2000 to 2003. Risk was highest persons 3–45 years age, no significant difference by sex seen. In age-adjusted multivariable models, 3 were identified: proximity previous patient (odds ratio [OR] 25.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15–44 within household; OR 3.2 CI 1.7–6.1 50 m), bed net use summer (OR 0.7, 0.53–0.93), cattle per 1,000 m2 0.8, 0.70–0.94]). No seen income, education, or occupation; land ownership other assets; housing materials condition; keeping goats chickens inside bedrooms. Our data confirm strong clustering suggest that insecticide-treated nets could be effective preventing kala-azar.