Gender differences in the severity and features of lesions among Cutaneous Leishmaniasis patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine if there is any differences in the severity and features of lesions among patients complaining of cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic region . Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was performed ( January 2014 to June 2019 ) in the dermatology clinics of : Rizgary Hospital , Hawler teaching center for Skin Diseases, Shadi Health Center, Hawler Institute of Health Prevention. All the patients were referred from both rural districts of Makhmur and Kalack. The provisional diagnosis was dependent mainly on clinical examination in addition to Giemsa stain. Parasite (amastigote) grading and distribution of number, site, type and size of lesions according to the gender of patients were studied . Results: A total of 1264 cutaneous leishmaniasis cases were diagnosed during the study period . According to stain results, 70.6% of the cases were positive to Giemsa stain. Parasite grading and parasite number /field were higher significantly in males . Features of case severity according to the characters of the lesions (number, size, site, type) were more noted in males than females. Conclusions: Male patients are more prone to more severe infections than females.