Epidemiologic aspects of cutaneous Leishmaniasis and trapeutic effect of traditional ointment containing onion juice compared with Amphotricin B

Background: Leishmaniasis including visceral and cutaneous types is an endemic disease in some parts of our country. The current study aimed to investigate some epidemiologic aspects of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) and  comparing the effects of a traditional ointment and Amphotricin B.

Methods: This prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted to evaluate epidemiologic pattern of CL and comparing different trapeutic agents including Amphotricin  B and local traditional ointment containing onion juice in Mehran- Ilam province, Western Iran during 2003-2008. 150 confirmed cases (40 case in topical treatment group and 100 cases in Amphotricin group) out of 925 suspected patients were enrolled into the study. Diagnosis criteria were based on biopsy and microscopic findings.

Results: CL prevalence was significantly increased from 16% in 2003 to 25.3% in 2008 (P<0.001). Mean age of patients was 23.1±6.4 years and male gender and age 16 to 24 years were risk factors to involving CL (P=0.05). Healing period was 133±15 days for patients who administered traditional ointment and 120±12 days for Amphotericin B group (P<0.02). Local itching was observed more frequently in Amphotericin B than traditional ointment (P=0.04).

Conclusion: Increasing CL trend in this tropical area is a real threat for shifting from an endemic to an epidemic disease, which needs serious attention. It seems that the traditional medicine have noticeable effects on CL treatment, so it can be a potential alternative medicine after achieving appropriate technology and performing randomized clinical trials.