The prevalence of asymptomatic leishmaniasis in
the general population of Croatia has not been studied
to date. To assess the prevalence of Leishmania
infantum specific IgG antibodies among immunocompetent
residents of Croatia, sera from 2,035 persons
(eastern coast of Adriatic Sea, n=1,186; Adriatic
islands, n=653; mainland, n=196), were tested by an
enzyme immunoassay. A total of 231 (11.4%) persons
had anti-Leishmania antibodies. Multivariate analysis
revealed that seropositivity was associated with geographic
location and age. Residents of coastal areas
and islands were significantly more seropositive than
mainland residents (odds ratios (OR) 20.37 to 28.51).
Moderate to high anti-Leishmania seroprevalence
was found throughout the eastern Adriatic coast and
islands (4.0% to 22.2%) including the sites previously
considered non-endemic. A highly endemic focus was
identified in central coastal Dalmatia (seroprevalence
22.2%; OR: 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-
2.22). Regarding age, children aged 0-9 years were the
most vulnerable group for asymptomatic Leishmania
infection (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.16-4.14).