Demographic study of cutaneous leishmaniasis and its geographical distribution in Dasht-e Azadegan County (2014-2018)

Tropical Disease Research of World Health Organization has classified cutaneous leishmaniasis as an emerging and uncontrolled disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of this disease in Dasht-e- Azadegan County. Subjects and

This retrospective study was conducted in Dasht-e-Azadegan County in 2015-2019, based on patient data collection (sex, age, occupation, number and location of wounds, geographical area and season of outbreak). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20.

The number of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis in the 5-year period was 1320 person, of which 720 of them were male (54.54%) and 600 of them were female (45.46%). The highest number of diseases was seen in the age group of 10-19 (23.78%) and 20-29 (23.63%) respectively. In addition, 61.74% of patients were urban and the rest were rural. Significant differences were observed between the geographical area, occupational group, and season with cutaneous leishmaniasis. About, 59.54% of patients had one wound and the most involved member was hands (28.78%). The highest seasonal prevalence was in winter and in January and February. During the period under review, the highest incidence of the disease was observed in Abu-Hamiyzeh, and overall the incidence of the disease had been decreased during these five years.

Due to the endemic nature of the disease and the prolonged activity of Phlebotomus papatasi in this county, education of high risk individuals is essential to reduce the incidence and prevent the disease.