Leishmaniasis in the Sudan Republic

Abstract

Summary Clinical and laboratory findings in 30 autochthonous cases of kala-azar from an area in the center of Upper Nile Province, Republic of Sudan, are presented. The value of culture technics and of bone marrow puncture in the diagnosis of the disease is emphasized. In general, kala-azar in this area appears to resemble visceral leishmaniasis as encountered elsewhere; however, a case fatality rate of over 20% apparently due to complications in hospitalized patients, the absence of leishmania in the peripheral blood, and the finding of patients from all age groups is contrary to the usual pattern of the disease in other countries. The significance of these findings is discussed.