Epidemiological characteristics of Cautaneous Leishmaniasis in Maraveh tapeh district, Golestan province during 2006-2010

Cautaneous Leishmaniasis is one of the zoonosis diseases that transmits by sand fly also, is one of the most important health problems in Iran. Determining the epidemiological aspects of disease is useful for planning the control programs. This study was designed to describe the situation of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Maraveh tapeh district. this descriptive-analytical survey was performed on all confirmed and recorded cutaneous Leishmaniasis cases (297 persons) that were diagnosed during 2006-2011 in Maraveh Tapeh district. Patient’s characteristics such as age, sex, habitat, number and sites of ulcer(s), month and year of incidence were registered. Data were analyzed by chi-square test using SPSS 13 software. from total of 297 under care patients, 148 cases (49.8%) were men and 149 cases (50.2%) were women. 270 patients (90.9%) were resided in rural areas, while 27cases of them (9.1%) were lived in urban areas. The most frequent age group was 0-4 years old (51.5%). Face was the most common site of ulcer (34.7%) and 37.7% of cases had one ulcer. Highest prevalence of disease (73.7 %) was observed in October, November and December. Cautaneous Leishmaniasis was increased remarkably and it has been epidemic in west of Maraveh Tapeh district during 2010 – 2011. Therefore, comprehensive planning for control and prevention of this disease is necessary.