Information regarding the local transmission of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is lacking in North Darfur, Western Sudan.  Thus, a pilot entomological and epidemiological study to examine local transmission, places, and times of infected people was taken place for one year in Al-Malha Locality. Kala-azar incidence data, in addition, were collected from Al-Malha hospital records, and Ministry of Health, Division of Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases. Sticky paper and rodent burrow traps were used to collect sand flies from five different microhabitats during three different phases of the year. The species were identified based on the relevant keys. Statistical analysis was applied to investigate kala-azar distribution among different age groups and between sexes, and compare sandfly species richness and distribution between microhabitats. Children under one year and those between one and five years old were the most age group affected by kala-azar (2013-2016). Also, women were more affected than men. A total of 918 collected sandfly specimens belonged to 13 species (5 Phlebotomus, 8 Sergentomyia).  Phlebotomus orientalis was found for the first time in the area. This species was the principal vector VL in Sudan and other East African countries. Summer was the season of the highest (63%) sandfly numbers with two most abundant species (S. antennata of 48%, S. schwetzi of 24.1%). P. orientalis showed relatively high abundance (8.6%). It seemed that the most preferred habitat for the sandfly was a dry seasonal watercourse (41.2%), followed by rodent burrows. The high VL prevalence in infant and presence of P. orientalis in Al-Malha provided data that local transmission of the parasite causing kala-azar occurred in the area. The transmission might occur in the area with a high density of vectors, next to the woodland during summer.  Large-scale studies of entomology and epidemiology are highly recommended to control the VL in North Darfur effectively.

Mohamed Abdalla Bahar