Clinical Laboratory and Epidemiological Research on Cutaneous leishmaniasis in the South West of Iran

Abstract

Background:: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important health problems in different regions of Iran that occurs both in zoonotic and anthroponotic forms in different foci of Iran. The Khuzistan Province, located in the South West of Iran in vicinity of the Persian Gulf, is one of the oldest susceptible foci for CL in Iran. Objectives:: Due to the lack of information about the conditions in the focus of Behbahan County, the present study was conducted to find out the epidemiology of CL in this area. Materials and Methods:: The data of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of all patients with CL referred to the Behbahan County Health Center with the symptoms of CL and presence of leishman bodies in Giemsa-stained smears. Parasites considered to be Leishmania major according to the essence a great vacuole in the cytoplasm. Results:: The study showed that the rate of CL incidence with the general rate of 0.18 per 1000 people. Ulcers were present in 172 patients, comprising 44.8% female and 55.2% male. In 55 cases (32%), the ulcers were located on the hand, in 54 cases (31.4%) on the feet, in 33 cases (19.2%) on the face and in 30 cases (17.4%) on other parts of the body. The highest incidence was found among patients with two age groups of 20 - 29 (27.3%) and 10 - 19 years old (26.2%). Conclusions:: With respect to the increased prevalence of CL in Behbahan County, health care observers should pay close attention to prevent the disease spread.