Prevalence and Epidemiologic Profile of Acute Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in an Endemic Focus in Southeast Iran

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease, which is a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries including Iran. Objectives: This study aimed to study the prevalence and epidemiologic profile of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic focus in southeast Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis referred to health centers and health networks in Sistan and Baluchistan province since the beginning of 2013 to March 2015 were examined. Then, the collected data were prepared in the form of tables using SPSS and were analyzed by tests. Results: The percentage of leishmaniasis in men was higher than in women and there was a statistically significant difference between men and women regarding the infection rate of the disease. The results suggest a difference in the site of lesions on the body indicating confrontation with a new form of disease epidemiology. Thus, alongside the ongoing epidemiological studies, there is a need for further research in all aspects including the causes, reservoirs, hosts, prevention measures and treatments in order to control the disease.