Epidemiological survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Northern Iran

Abstract

Aims: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important health problems in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate all aspects of the epidemiology of the disease, including examination of patients, the rate and nature of the disease, and the development of different forms of disease during 2009–2018 in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Northern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed using epidemiological data, including demographic and clinical features collected from 5638 patients diagnosed with leishmaniasis in health centers affiliated to the Deputy of Health Center of Golestan University of Medical Sciences during 2009–2018. Results: A total number of 5638 individuals were diagnosed with CL over a 10-year period. Considering the population of Golestan, the incidence rate was reported as 137 per 100,000 populations. It was also revealed that most of the cases of CL (86/23%) lived in the villages and the majority of patients (21/46%) were in the age group of 1–4. In addition, most ulcers were observed in the hand (37.7%) and foot (33.1%), respectively. Most of the patients had multiple wounds on the body. The highest incidence was reported in November and the lowest in May. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the endemicity of disease in Gonbad-e-Kavus city during the 10-year study period 2009–2018 was high compared to the average incidence rate of CL in Iran. Therefore, monitoring and emphasizing disease control methods to eliminate leishmaniasis in this city are essential.