allied
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J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther 2017
Volume 2 Issue 3
Tropical Medicine 2017
Notes:
Page 40
September 7-8, 2017 | Edinburgh, Scotland
4
th
International Conference on
Tropical Medicine, Infectious Diseases & Public Health
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF VISCERAL
LEISHMANIASIS IN BARINGO COUNTY,
KENYA
Jane Mbui
a
, Peter Kioko
a,b
, Robert Kimutai
c
and Monique Wasunna
c
a
Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya
b
Kimalel Health Centre, Kenya
c
Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Kenya
Introduction:
Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar is a
disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania
and transmitted by a bite of infected sandflies of the genus
Phlebotomus .VL is fatal if left untreated. The disease is found
in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya such as Baringo
and West Pokot Counties.
Methods:
A retrospective observational study was conducted
during 7 years (2010-2016) at Kimalel Health Centre, in
Baringo County. Data from patients treated at the Centre
during the 7 years was analyzed for variables such as age, sex,
method of diagnosis and seasonal variation.
Results:
A total of 613 patients were diagnosed with VL and
treated between 2010 and 2016. 70% of cases were diagnosed
via splenic aspiration while the rest were diagnosed by rK39
rapid antibody test. 55% of all patients were below 14 years
old with a predominance of males (76%). Only one case of
VL/HIV Co-infection was reported during this period.
There was no seasonal pattern for the disease with cases seen
throughout the year. Majority of patients (75%) were treated
with the combination of Sodium Stibogluconate (SSG) and
Paramomycin (PM).
Conclusion:
These results confirm that VL remains endemic
in some parts of Kenya such as Baringo County. The disease
mainly affects young children <14 years, and males are
predominantly affected with a female to male ratio of 1:3.
The most common method of diagnosis at Centre is splenic
aspiration, and combination therapy is the mainstay of
treatment.
Biography
Jane Mbui graduated from The University of Nairobi, Kenya, as a Medical
Doctor, with a bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery M.B.Ch.B. He worked
at Mwingi District Hospital, Kitui County, Kenya, as an intern and rotated in
Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynaecology for
a period of one year. He worked at Mwingi District Hospital, Kitui County,
Kenya, as an intern and rotated in Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery and
Obstetrics & Gynaecology for a period of one year. Thereafter, he joined Kenya
Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) where he has continued his research.
Presently he is working at the Kimalel Leishmaniasis Research and Treatment
Center located in Baringo County, Kenya as the clinical site investigator.
jmbui@kemri.orgJane Mbui et al., J Parasit Dis Diagn Ther 2017