Epidemiological investigation of a new case of visceral leishmaniasis in Greater S. Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

An epidemiological investigation was made in the urban zone of S. Paulo, Brazil, to elucidate a case of visceral leishmaniasis that occurred in a two-year old child, born and always resident in that place. The possibility of congenital transmission was eliminated. The transmission by blood transfusion and biological vector was discussed on the basis of the past history of the child and the results of a serological survery in human population with indirect imunofluorescence, passive hemagglutination and leishmanin tests, serological survey on dogs and furthermore entomological research in residual forest situated in the neighbourhood of the patient's house.