The epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-Ramadi, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a disease caused by various species of the genus Leishmania via the bite of the different species of the vector infected female sandfly. It is an endemic disease in most Iraqi cities. This study was arranged to shed light on the epidemiological criteria of the disease in the city of Al-Ramadi. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study on cutaneous leishmaniasis in the city of Al-Ramadi was conducted over a three-year period from 2019 to 2021. The diagnosis of the disease was dependent mainly on the clinical features of the infection. Detailed information was obtained from all patients, who were grouped according to their age. Sites, numbers, and any previous scars were recorded during the clinical examination. Results: Five hundred and thirty-two patients affected by cutaneous leishmaniasis were examined in the dermatology clinic of Al-Ramadi Teaching Hospital in a period of three years from 2019 to 2021. The prevalence rate was 59/100,000. The highest number of patients affected during the year 2020 constituted around 39.5% of the cases. Mostly, infections appeared during the winter months (December, January, and February). Those younger than 2o years were mainly attacked by cutaneous leishmaniasis, constituting 63.3%. Males were more involved than females (57.5%). The hands, face, and feet were the most commonly involved sites, corresponding to around 20.57%, 20.11%, and 17.68% of the cases, respectively. Conclusions: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic disease in Al-Ramadi, representing a public health problem for both the individuals and the community. For individuals, scarring of the face represents the main cosmetic and psychological trauma.