Epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Qom Province, Iran, during 2003-2009

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitological disease that is transmitted by sand flies. This disease is endemic in different areas of Iran. This study was designed to determine the epidemiological aspects of CL in Qom Province during 2003-2009. This was a cross-sectional study. Geographical and epidemiological data of all patients from 2003 to 2009 with clinical and microscopic diagnosis were monitored and followed up, and their medical records were surveyed. Of 1812 patients with leishmaniasis 1047 cases (57.78%) were male and 765 (42.22%) were female. The prevalence rate of disease was 25.8 in 100,000. The most frequent age group was above 15 years old (74.5%). 50.39 of the patients were living in urban areas and the rest lived in rural areas, especially in central county villages. 52.65% of the patients had no positive history of traveling to leishmaniasis endemic areas during the previous year. 24.5% of the patients had 3 or more lesions. The most common location of lesion was on their hands (49.08%). Based on our findings, men in working age group are more likely to have the disease; the number of patients without any history of traveling to endemic areas in Iran during the previous year is very considerable; therefore, we can conclude that leishmaniasis is endemic in Qom Province including in central-part villages. So, the high prevalence rate requires further control and prevention measures.