Community-based Detection of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and its Risk-Factors in an Endemic Region of Bihar, India

There have been relatively few large-scale studies of spread of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) and factors that affects its prevalence. Consequently, little is known about the dynamics of PKDL, or the confounding factors that may give rise to its spread. A large-scale survey-based study of PKDL prevalence was conducted in the endemic region of Araria in Bihar, India. The results of the study indicate a sample prevalence of as high as 7.9 cases per 10,000 individuals. Socio-economic and demographical factors were recorded for each study participant, and the influence of these factors on PKDL and non-PKDL incidence in the sample populations was analysed. Our results suggest that factors of caste, cattle shed proximity, and gender all contribute to the characterization of the PKDL-afflicted population. The mean household size for PKDL households was found to be 4.9, almost doubled the number observed for non-PKDL households. Individuals in the age-group 10-19 years old, Hindus, or those belonging to Schedule Caste are more likely to get PKDL than others in the population. Consideration of these factors can provide a clear starting point for further in-depth examination of their contribution to PKDL patterns.