Leishmaniases survey in the Awash Valley: leishmanin skin test profile in the Upper Awash and surrounding areas.

The occurrence of leishmanial infection in the Upper Awash and the surrounding areas was assessed in a survey conducted between December 1994 to March 1995, employing a cross-sectional leishmanin skin test. Out of the 803 study subjects skin tested, 775 (97%) returned for the reading of the reaction. The rate of leishmanin positivity in 10 representative study sites ranged from 16% to 65% with the over all prevalence of 33% in the study area. Prevalence of leishmanin positive skin test increased with age in male sex (40%) and in the indigenous Afars (60%), a profile suggesting a particular form of outdoor exposure to transmission. The difference in leishmanin positivity by study sites, sex and ethnic background were all statistically significant (X2 = 72.9; P < 0.001, X2 = 16.2; P < 0.001 and X2 = 62.8; P < 0.001 respectively). The current status of overt leishmanial disease in the area and the implication of the skin test findings are discussed.