[Survey on a new case of visceral leishmaniasis in Shanxi Province].

ABSTRACT

A new case of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) was reported by Changzhi CDC of Shanxi Province in September 2011. The case was investigated clinically and epidemiologically. The patient was a two-year-old boy who lived in Huangnian Town of Changzhi County in Shanxi Province. Clinical examination showed hepatosplenomegaly, consistent decrease of blood cells and Leishman-Donovan body in the bone marrow smear. The rK39 immune diagnosis test showed strongly positive. The case was diagnosed as kala-azar. After one course treatment of sodium stibogluconate, the patient's condition improved markedly. There were no cases of kala-azar in this region historically. Blood samples of 17 individuals and 5 domestic animals including 3 dogs were all negative in the rK39 immunodiagnostic test. It is speculated that the potential risk of kala-azar transmission exists in this region.