Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Analyses in an Endemic Focus in Southwest Iran (2016-2020)

The cutaneous type of leishmaniasis (CL) has widespread growth. This research was conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics of CL in the county of Shush in the Khuzestan Province located in the southwestern region of Iran.

This cross-sectional study was retrospectively conducted from 2016 to 2020. Patients’ demographics and medical history were acquired to some extent. The recorded data of patients with CL referred to Shush health centers were analyzed using the SPSS software (Chicago, IL).

Overall, 2020 patients were recorded from 2016 to 2020. Among Shush residents, the incidence of CL ranged from 126.2 to 285.8 cases per 100000 people. The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the number of people who got CL in Shush county (P<0.05). Based on the results, a statistically significant correlation was found between CL and gender (including 54.7% males against 45.3% females, P<0.05). CL was found in more significant numbers in the age groups under ten years old (42.6%) compared to the other age groups (P<0.05).

Shush seems to be a CL endemic hotspot based on the results of this research and other epidemiological parameters. The intensity of CL reports from this study and other epidemiological studies suggests that CL is more prevalent in Shush than in previous. The situation is extremely alarming; thus, it is highly recommended that adequate measures be taken to control and prevent the spread of illness.