Prevalence and epidemiologic profile of acute cutaneous leishmaniasis in an endemic focus, Southwestern Iran

Objective: To evaluate the cutaneous leishmaniasis prevalence in Shadegan County, Iran, during 2007-2009. Methods: This is a descriptive research which concentrates on the 100 patients who we referred to the Shadegan Health Center. The disease was diagnosed based on clinical exam and microscopic observation of the parasites in the lesion site. The patients' data were recorded. The statistics have examined the various epidemiological aspects of the disease by considering descriptive indices such as gender, age, occupation, month and seasonal distribution, number and site of the lesions. Information analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Overall, 100 cases consisting of 32 females (32%) and 68 males (68%) were examined for the presence of active ulcers. Most of the infection was in age group 11-20 years (31%) and the lowest in 31-40 years group (7%). Most of the active ulcers were on the feet (42%). The majority (47%) had one lesion. Most of the cases (42%) had occurred during 2007. All cases were observed in the rural areas. Conclusions: This study showed that the male sex and people under 20 years of age are mostly at risk. Therefore, education for groups at risk is very important.