Epidemiological study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Aran and Bidgol from April to September 2009

Leishmaniasis caused by leishmania protozoa can be considered as a zoonotic disease. This disease caused major health problems in some parts of Iran. Aran and Bidgol city (Isfahan province, Iran) is considered as one of the endemic foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis (Salak). For success in controlling the disease and to provide the necessary training for high-risk groups, the epidemiological data of disease in the region is required. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 94 patients admitted to the health center of Aran and Bidgol from April to September 2009. The demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. Thirty percent (30.8%) of patients were in the age group of 1-9 years. The number of patients in urban areas was more than that of rural areas and in men more than women. Most of these cases were seen in Aran and Bidgol city (52.1%) and then in Abuzeydabad city (22.3%), respectively. Moreover, most cases of disease were found in July (37.2%) and 54.3% and 45.7% of cases were dry and wet cutaneous sores, respectively. It seems that the high incidence of disease in age group of 1-9 years is due to the susceptibility of this age group to leishmaniasis. Therefore, regulating the control training programs in this group is suggested.