An endemic focus of visceral leishmaniasis in Meshkin-Shahr, east Azerbaijan province, north-west part of Iran and IFA serological survey of the disease in this area.

The incidence of visceral leishmaniasis has being increased in Iran during the recent decade. Since 1980, more than 200 cases have been diagnosed from East Azerbaijan province, mostly, from Meshkin-Shahr area. It seems, that kala-azar has being endemic in this area for a long time. The majority (86%) of kala-azar cases were found among children up to 4 years. The sex incidence ratio of males/females was 1.27/1. In IFA serological survey, sero-positive rate in females was higher than males. However, geometric mean of leishmanial antibody titers in males was, slightly, more than females. These serological findings indicate that females are exposed to the infection at least as much as males. The cross-sectional IFA serological survey, relatively reflected the kala-azar status among different studied groups with various incidences of the disease in Meshkin-Shahr area. IFAT showed also a good efficiency in the assessment of the treatment in the treated kala-azar patients.