Abstract:
Back ground: Visceral leishmaniasis is the major fatal vector borne neglected tropical diseases. In
Ethiopia also called kala-azar is a public health problem and its main causative agent is
Leishmania donovani. Even though in the study area visceral leishmaniasis cases are there, there is
no detailed information on the seroprevalence of Leishmania donovani and its associated factors.
Objective: To assess the seroprevalence of Leishmania donovani and its associated factors among
asymptomatic pastoral community of Dire District, Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia from
June 1 to July 30, 2021.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 432 pastoralist
community. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants from
selected pastoralist kebeles. Data were collected through face-to-face interview guide using a
pretested structured questionnaire. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the
study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using
immuno chromatographic test (rk39-ICT). The multivariable logistic regression model was used to
identify factors associated with Leishmania donovani infection. Statistical significance was
declared at P-valve less than 0.05.
Result: The overall sero prevalence of Leishmanial donovani was 33(7.6%) (95%CI: 5.32-15.60).
Seroprevalence of Leishmania donovani was statistically significant associated with high family
size (>5) (AOR=5.154; 95% CI: 2.032 9.748), sleeping or/and staying under acacia tree
(AOR=2.984; 95%CI=1.074-8.288), presence of cracked house wall (AOR=1.801; 95%CI:(1.026-
4.921), presence of termites‟ hills (AOR=1.938; 95%CL:1.002-7.050), presence of water points
(AOR=3.893; 95%CI:1.034-7.426) and presence of domestic animals (AOR=2.124; 95%
CI:2.341-5.108).
Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Leishmania donovani in this finding was similar compare with
most of the previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Sleeping or/and staying at day or/and night
under acacia tree, more than five family size, presence of cracked wall, presence of termite hill,
and presence of water source/points and domestic animals near to home are factors aggravated the
occurrence of seroprevalence of Leishmania donovani. Awareness creation of the community and
taking appropriate measures focusing on identified factors aggravated Leishmanial donovani
infection is recommended.
