Investigation of Epidemiological Aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Jahrom, Fars Province, Between 2015 and 2019

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the diseases caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is considered a health problem in Iran. Jahrom, a county in Fars province located in the south of Iran, is one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The present study investigated the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Jahrom between 2015 and 2019.

A descriptive-analytical study was performed to evaluate the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in patients referred to the Jahrom Health Center between 2015 and 2019.

A total of 584 cases were identified, of which (347) 59.4% were males and (237) 40.6% were females. The acute cases were observed in all age groups, and the highest proportion was seen at less than 10 years of age. The numbers of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis from 2015 to 2019 were 180, 88, 117, 108, and 91, respectively. Cutaneous leishmaniasis was more common in autumn and winter. The proportion was higher in males and urban inhabitants. There was a statistically significant difference between the genders and places of residence (P < 0.05). Also, the highest proportion of lesions was on the hands (48.8%).

Based on the findings in Jahrom city, the proportion of the disease was higher in younger age groups, males, urban inhabitants, and autumn. The most common lesions were on the hands, feet, and face.