SEROPREVALENCE OF LEISHMANIA DONOVANI AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC PASTORAL COMMUNITY OF DIRE DISTRICT, BORENA ZONE, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA

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.