Distribution changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis: A postulated risk of disease transmission in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of Leishmania. Approximately 20 of them are pathogenic to mammals. In Sri Lanka, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an established vector-borne disease. CL originates and spreads mainly through sand fly bite in many endemic countries. Objective of the present study was to compare the geographical distribution and demographic features of CL cases in 2014 and 2016 in Hambantota district, Sri Lanka. The patients who were presented to the Tangalle Base Hospital from June to December in 2014 and 2016 were examined and a descriptive study was carried out using a structured-questionnaire. Slit -skin smears were collected from each patient, Giemsa-stained and examined under the light microscope to identify Leishmania amastigotes. Out of 256 and 314 suspected CL patients, 156 and 155 were identified positive for the year 2014 and 2016 respectively. Out of 12 District Secretary Divisions in the Hambantota district, highest number of CL cases, 85 and 86 was reported from Tangalle DSD in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Number of identified CL patients in Beliatta DSD had increased from 50 to 67 during the study period. In both years, majority of the CL patients were ≥ 50 years old with males more infected than females. Although CL association with occupations were insignificant, housewives were the highly (23%) infected occupants in this area. Based on present findings, geographical distribution within DSDs in Hambantota district had changed. It emphasizes the importance of CL as a health problem in Hambantota district.