Cutaneous leishmaniasis in ALGERIA. Report of 180 cases diagnosed at Batna’s University Hospital from 2018 to 2023

Abstract

Introduction. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) represents a public health problem in Algeria. The aim of our studw is to describe the epidemiological - clinical profile of cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed in the parasitology department at the University Hospital of Batna-ALGERIA. Materials and methods. We carried out a study based on the use of files and observation of patients who presented with cutaneous leishmaniasis between January 2018 and December 2023. The diagnosis was suggested clinically and confirmed by direct parasitological examination. Results. We collected 180 cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The average age of the patients was 30.60 years with extremes of 3 months and 84 years. The sex ratio M/F was 4 . The average duration of progression of the lesions was 2.85 months with extremes of 10 days to 24 months. An autumn preponderance was noted with 68 cases (37.77%). cases (41.30%). The average annual number of cases was 30 cases. The most frequent clinical appearance was that of ulcero-crusting lesions 115 cases (63.88%). The predilection of the seat to the face was noted in 67 cases (37%). Conclusion. Cutaneous leishmaniasis poses a real public health problem in our country. This parasitosis is one of the notifiable diseases. Algeria is currently the most affected country in the countries around the Mediterranean basin. No vaccine against leishmaniasis is yet available, prevention is essentially based on prophylactic measures against the vector which is the sandfly using insecticides in the breeding grounds as well as on the reservoir. Therapeutic optimization, by the followed by standardized protocols remains necessary.