The Prevalence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the City and Suburb of Mohammadabad, Jiroft District and Identification of Parasite Species by Nested-PCR, 2008

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a health problem in the world, including Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiology of CL and determination of the causative parasite species in the city and suburb of Mohammadabad, Jiroft district.

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed in census manner. Diagnosis was based on direct smear microscopy and Nested-PCR technique was applied for the identification of species.

Overall, 3516 individuals consisting of 1743 females (49.6%) and 1773 males (50.4%) were physically examined for the presence of active lesion or scar. The prevalence rate was 6.2% in female and 4.5% in male subjects with a significant difference (P<0.05). Most of the infection was in the age group of 11-20 years (10.5%) and the lowest was in the age group of 21-30 year (3%). Most of the lesions were on the face (47%) and the majority (64%) had one lesion. Based on Nested-PCR technique all examined cases were Leishmania tropica.

This study has been conducted for the first time in north of Jiroft district in proximity of Bam district. Increasing rate of this disease after the earthquake and in accordance with the epidemic condition in the city of Bam is due to the frequent traveling of people to this rural area.