Influencing factors for desert-type Kala-azar in epidemic area in Xinjiang

ObjectiveTo investigate possible factors of desert-type Kala-azar in epidemic area in in Xinjiang, and provide scientific basis to formulate and control strategies for desert-type Kala-azar in Xinjiang.

MethodsIn Gholtoghraq township of Jiashi county, we selected 2–3 villages in the east, west, south, north, and central parts, between September 2016 and July 2017, respectively, where Kala-azar cases had been to the epidemic information system in recent years, the reported cases were used as case groups, the gender and age matched control group composed of healthy young children in the same village (same or adjacent group) who had no history of Kala-azar and clinical symptoms or signs of Kala-azar for a 1∶3 case control study. The parents of the children were interviewed in household surveys using questionnaires collecting the information about wild animals or domestic animals, living behavior and environment. The results were analyzed by univataite and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses.

ResultsA total of 140 children were investigated, of which 35 were in case group and 105 were in control group. Univariate analysis results showed that the differences in increased number of sheep (goats) in the livestock pen within 30 meters of surveyed household, and using no mosquito repellent or insecticide, using no curtain, desert environment within 50 meters, sleeping in the open near door and using no mosquito nets were risk factors for desert-type Kala-azar, increased distance between door and livestock pen was protective factor. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the differences in increased number of sheep (goats) in livestock pen within 30 meters of the survey households and sleeping near door were risk factors for desert-type Kala-azar, increased distance between door and livestock pen was protective factor.

ConclusionThe number of sheep (goats) in livestock pen within 30 meters of household, sleeping in the open near door in summer and distance between livestock pen and door were the associated factors of desert-type Kala-azar in children in epidemic area in Xinjiang