AN OUTBREAK OF CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN THE LOCAL POPULATION OF DIR UPPER, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by intracellular parasitic protozoans belonging to a genus of flagellate protozoa called Leishmania. More than 25 species of the genus Leishmania are present worldwide in which several species are pathogenic to humans. In many cases, cutaneous infection is formed but some species cause subcutaneous or deeper tissues and visceral infection. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a skin disease caused by Leishmania topica. This disease is transmitted by sandflies. The disease is endemic along the entire Western border of Pakistan. During the present research, the samples were collected from infected people in different areas of Dir Upper. A total of 548 samples were collected among which 346 (63%) were positive cases. In the infected people, 297 (86%) were from the local population and 59 (14%) from Afghan refugees. A total of 235 (68%) males and 111(32%) females were affected. The high prevalence rate (48.5%) was noticed in the age of 11-20 years old people. The prevalence rate between the age of 0-10 was 29.1%. The low prevalence rate (13.6%) was noticed in the people over 30 years. Mostly one lesion was noticed in affected people (69%). The patients with two lesions were 22%. The numbers of affected persons with more than two active lesions were little in number i. e. 8.3%. Most of the lesions were reported on the face (36.1%). The second affected part of the body noticed in the study was hand (26.5%). Most of the lesions were dry (81%). It is concluded that a high prevalence rate was observed. People’s awareness is very necessary.