Prevalence of Leishmania infection in three communities of Oti Region, Ghana.

Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by various species of female phlebotomine sand flies. The first report of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ghana refer to a cluster of cases in 1999–2003 in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region. We conducted an epidemiological assessment in the Oti Region, encouraged by recent reports of potential cases of CL. Methodology/Principal findings: Using a cross-sectional study design, the exposure to Leishmania was investigated in three communities of the Oti Region based on the leishmanin skin test (LST). LST results for 3,071 participants comprising 1091, 848, and 1132 persons from the communities of Ashiabre, Keri, and Sibi Hilltop, indicated an overall prevalence of exposure to Leishmania infection of 41.8% and individual community prevalence of 39.4%, 55.1%, and 34.2% respectively. Being male [AOR = 1.27; CI: 1.09, 1.49], and living in Keri [AOR = 1.83; CI: 1.43, 2.34] were associated with an increase in the odds of exposure to Leishmania. Being 5–10 years old [AOR = 1.48; CI: 1.06, 2.05], 11–17 years old [AOR = 2.03; CI: 1.45, 2.85], 18–40 years old [AORR = 2.83; CI: 1.81, 4.43] and 41–65 years old [AOR = 5.08; CI: 2.98, 8.68] were also significantly associated with increased odds of being exposed to Leishmania. Conclusions/Significance: This study demonstrated exposure to Leishmania in the study communities and also identified associated factors. Future efforts aimed at reducing exposure to Leishmania infection in the study area should take the associated factors into consideration. Author summary: Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector borne disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is endemic in over 98 countries globally. Two broad categories of leishmaniasis exist: visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The first report of CL in Ghana was from a cluster of cases in 1999–2003 in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region [which has since the year 2019 been divided into Volta and Oti Regions]. However, information on the prevalence of Leishmania infection in the affected communities of Ghana is limited. Using a cross-sectional study design, this study described prevalence of exposure to Leishmania in three communities of the Oti Region based on the leishmanin skin test (LST), following reports of potential cases of CL in that area. In addition, factors associated with an increase in the odds of exposure to Leishmania were also investigated. Demonstration of exposure to, as well as factors associated with Leishmania infection in communities of the Oti Region of Ghana suggests a need for further investigation of other related factors such as prevalence of CL and possible vectors and reservoirs of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]