[Leishmaniasis in Castellón: an epidemiological study of human cases, the vector and the canine reservoir].

Background: Incidence of human leishmaniasis in Castellón is among the highest in Spain. In order to know epidemiologic situation of leishmaniasis, human incidence, Phlebotomus' presence and canine reservoir were studied.

Methods: The study was carried out during 1989-1990, and included review of different registers of cases and glucantime use, Phlebotomus catching, and leishmaniasis serology (immunofluorescent test, IFT) of dogs from municipal kennel and rabies vaccine programme.

Results: Hospitals' underreporting visceral leishmaniasis was noted. Glucantime's distribution permitted identification of some no reported cases. 2267 sandflies were caught, which 196 were vectors: P. perniciosus (182), P. sergenti (6), P. papatasi (4) and P. ariasi (4). Dog's prevalence of leishmaniasis (IFT > or = 1/80) was 5.1% (CI 95%: 1.1-9.1) in dogs fron the municipal kennel, and 0% in dogs from the vaccine programme.

Conclusions: Human leishmaniasis is hypoendemic in Castellón, with a low-middle rank in canine leishmaniasis. Entomologic results agree with other spanish studies. However, P. sergenti and P. ariasi were not described in Catellón until now. Leishmaniasis surveillance should be maintained.